Waco Classic Resurrects Great Lakes Aerobatic Biplane

January 20, 2011 — Waco Classic announced the return to production of the Great Lakes Model 2T-1A-1/2, a fully aerobatic 180-hp aircraft. The aircraft was most recently produced in 1980, and is type certificated in the aerobatic category.

The design and construction techniques are very similar to the current Waco YMF-5D biplane produced by Waco Classic; however, the airplane is smaller and features simple avionics and systems. Several improvements to the earlier design are planned, including changing from the current wood spar to a new aluminum spar, upgrading the brakes, updating avionics, and improving serviceability.

Plans are to introduce the airplane at this year’s Sun ’n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida (March 29-April 3), with production starting late summer 2011 and first deliveries in early 2012.

Preliminary pricing: for the Lycoming IO-360-B1F6-powered Touring model, $219,000; for the higher performance Sport model (Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F6), $239,000.

Waco Classic anticipates 10-12 new Great Lakes sales annually, and plans to hire 20 additional production technicians, engineers, and support staff at its Battle Creek, Michigan, facility. For more information, click here.

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