12 of the Slowest Planes Ever Built
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Planes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and while many of us marvel at the fastest, most advanced ones, let’s not forget about the slower ones. They might not break any speed records, but they have their unique charm and history. We’ll take a close look at 12 of the world’s slowest planes, each fascinating in its own right.
12. PZL M-15 Belphegor – 120 mph
The PZL M-15 Belphegor, a jet-driven biplane designed for agricultural use by Polish aviation company, WSK PZL-Mielec. This plane was unique for its role and had a metal twin-boom and laminates to prevent corrosion in its chemical tanks. Despite its purpose, the M-15 was heavy and dubbed the most dangerous.
11. Zlín Z-XII – 93 mph
The Zlín Z-XII, which found its place in history by being used by the Slovakian Air Force and the German Air Force during World War II. Its design was a hit for leisure flying, making it a commercial success with 201 units made before production ceased in 1939.
10. Slepcev Storch – 93 mph
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The Slepcev Storch, a modern reimagining of a historical design, first took flight in 1994. Its design includes wide flaps and leading-edge slats for stability and control, making it a slow but safe plane to fly.
9. Taylor J-2 Cub – 87 mph
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The Taylor J-2 Cub is a classic, known for its simple design and reliability. It served as a stepping stone to the more famous J-3 model and remains a beloved part of aviation history.
8. Piper J-3 Cub – 87 mph
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Speaking of the J-3 Cub, this plane is perhaps one of the most iconic small aircraft. Its yellow design and taildragger configuration make it instantly recognizable. It’s a favorite among pilots for its ease of use and has trained thousands of pilots worldwide.
7. Braunschweig LF-1 Zaunkönig – 88 mph
The LF-1 Zaunkönig stands out for its monoplane design and short airstrip capabilities. Powered by a small but efficient engine, it showcases engineering focused on simplicity and functionality.
6. Curtiss-Wright Junior – 80 mph
The Curtiss-Wright Junior was a sport plane aimed at everyday people before the Great Depression. It combined affordability with a simple design, making it one of the era’s most popular small aircraft.
5. De Schelde Scheldemusch – 78 mph
The De Schelde Scheldemusch was an innovative light aircraft from the Netherlands, designed for quick and safe flying. Its equal-sized biplane wings and wooden structure made it a notable plane for its time.
4. Blériot XI – 47 mph
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The Blériot XI holds a special place in aviation history, famous for flying across the English Channel. Its design laid the groundwork for future monoplanes, and its success marked a significant milestone in aviation.
3. Solar Impulse – 43 mph
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In contrast to the older planes on this list, the Solar Impulse represents the cutting edge of clean energy technology. It’s the first solar plane that can fly day and night, showing the potential for sustainable aviation.
2. Ruppert Archaeopteryx – 36 mph
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The Ruppert Archaeopteryx is a glider that can launch from flat ground without assistance, designed for both performance and leisure. It’s a proof how slow flight can still offer thrilling experiences.
1. Gossamer Albatross – 18 mph
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The slowest is the Gossamer Albatross, a pedal-powered aircraft. Its historic flight across the English Channel showcased the incredible potential of human-powered flight, combining endurance and engineering.
