Ultraflight Lazair SS EC
In Canada in 1978, Dale Kramer designed the Lazair and he and Peter Corley built the first prototype. This was one of the first twin-engine ultralights and the configuration marked an important step to increase the reliability of these simple and inexpensive aircraft. He and Corley built the aircraft from aluminum sheets and tubing, and then covered the wings with transparent mylar. The SS EC model is one of several that the Ultraflight (with an 'f') factory produced. All Lazairs shared the same basic airframe, but each model was equipped with different engines, a different cockpit enclosure, and structural modifications to support increases in engine power.
The Lazair was among the first ultralights to attract serious attention from police officers interested in using these airplanes to aid law-enforcement. The twin tractor engines promised increased reliability and the factory could install electric starting as an option to ease operations on the ground and in the air. Police surveillance pilots also preferred the airplane-style, stick-and-rudder flight controls. Many other ultralights still used some form of weight-shift controls at this time.
This particular aircraft was the second ultralight tested by officers of the Monterey Park Police Department in California. This group was the first unit in the nation to experiment with an ultralight aircraft used in a surveillance role. Monterey Park city and police department officials also generously donated that first airplane, an American Aerolights Double Eagle, to the NASM collection.
Display Status
This object is on display in Vertical Flight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
