Dr. Leo and Dr. Fairfax Windecker, working closely with Dow Chemical Company, in 1969 brought the first all composite aircraft, the Eagle I, to FAA certification. According to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, the four-place, low-wing monoplane received FAA certification, “only after building in a 20 percent over-designed airframe to make up for nervousness about the strength of composite materials.” Eight Eagles were built, but the design never really caught on with the flying public.
Windecker Aircraft Eagle Production to Begin Soon in China
Key Takeaways:
- The Windecker Eagle I, developed with Dow Chemical, was the first all-composite aircraft to receive FAA certification in 1969, though it was over-designed due to concerns about composite materials.
- Windecker Aircraft, now with a Chinese parent organization, is attempting to restart production of the Eagle I in mainland China.
- The restart effort involves restoring an original Eagle I airframe and seeking Type Certificate Validation from both the FAA and Chinese CAAC.
- The modern Eagle I will feature updated components, including a Continental engine, Hartzell propeller, a newly designed interior, and a glass-cockpit avionics suite.
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