Classic Interwar Plane Turns Heads at Sun 'n Fun
The Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo has been home to a fine showing from WACO aircraft, not just bringing in their notable grub but a vintage inspired reimagining of the classic Junkers 'Junior".
The WACO Junior A50 is a low-wing, corrugated aluminum taildragger with tandem seating and classic panache. The decidedly vintage and interwar-flavored A50 aims to strike a balance between the styling and cachet of an old, corrugated duralumin aircraft and the comfort, reliability, and safety of a modern light sport aircraft. The model is based on the original 1929 Junkers A50 Junior, a lesser-known but highly-rated sport plane of the interwar period.
WACO's model handily beats nearly every period A50, replacing their aged, thirsty rotary engines with a 100-hp, fuel-efficient Rotax 912iS. The extra 20 horsepower isn't the only improvement, with WACO's offering sporting modern construction and materials throughout the aircraft. From the plush leather seats down, every aspect of the A50 has been modernized, with shocks, disc brakes, and glass panel avionics performing far beyond the original's meager, depression-era equipment.
The SLSA provides enough performance to be genuinely livable, too, with a 75-knot cruise, 680 nm range, and 480-lb useful load. At 4 gallons per hour, the little Junior could be a useful, eye-catching travel partner. Best of all, the easygoing, 705-lb empty weight handily meets light sport requirements.
