Mitchell U-2 Superwing

Mitchell U-2 Superwing: The Ultimate “Flying Wing” for the Homebuilder

The Mitchell U-2 Superwing is not just an ultralight; it is a rebellion in favor of aerodynamic efficiency and accessible aviation. Designed by Don Mitchell, this legendary aircraft proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune on prefabricated planes to enjoy an avant-garde design. Its genius lies in its configuration and construction: it is a sophisticated tailless “flying wing” built from accessible materials like steel tubing, wood, and foam. It represents the most elegant and aerodynamically pure path to the sky.

Why Is It a Legend?

Radical, Accessible Aerodynamics: Forget conventional ultralights that look like motorized kites. Don Mitchell brought the expertise he gained working on Northrop’s famous YB-49 flying wing bomber to create this aircraft. The U-2 is so aerodynamically clean that it minimizes drag to the absolute extreme, achieving space-age performance at a price any hobbyist could afford.

The “Tube, Wood, and Foam” Wonder: Despite its futuristic appearance, its construction is surprisingly approachable. The central fuselage, which features an enclosed cockpit (a rare luxury in early ultralights), is made of welded steel tubing. The wings are built with wood spars, foam ribs, and covered in treated aviation fabric (like Dacron). An amateur builder with average skills needed only about 250 hours to assemble it.

Unique Controls and Folding Wings: Unlike conventional airplanes, the U-2 lacks a traditional tail empennage. Flight control is achieved through “elevons” on the trailing edge of the wings and small directional rudders on the wingtips. Moreover, the entire design was thought out for maximum practicality: the wings are completely foldable, allowing you to load it onto a trailer and store it in your garage without having to pay for expensive hangar space.

A Powered Glider: Despite being propelled by a small rear-mounted engine (pusher configuration) of just 20 to 35 hp, it was designed with the soul of a sailplane. If you shut down the engine mid-flight, the Superwing has such a spectacular glide ratio that pilots use it to hunt thermals and soar for hours, making it incredibly efficient, safe, and forgiving.

Performance and Key Numbers
The U-2 Superwing is built for pure efficiency. Its low weight and specialized airfoil (a modified Wortmann profile) give it enviable lift.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 1 pilot

• Wingspan: 34 ft (10.4 m)

• Length: Approx. 10 ft (3 m) (Incredibly short due to its tailless design)

• Wing Area: 136 sq ft (12.6 m²)

• Empty Weight: Approx. 240 lbs (109 kg) (Fits perfectly within strict FAR Part 103 ultralight regulations!)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 550 lbs (249 kg)

• Useful Load: Approx. 310 lbs (140 kg)

• Typical Engine Power: 20 – 35 hp (Engines like the Zenoah G25 or Cuyuna UL2-11)

Performance:

• Glide Ratio: 16:1 (Outstanding for the ultralight category)

• Cruise Speed: 55 – 60 mph (88 – 96 km/h)

• Stall Speed: 25 – 28 mph (40 – 45 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: 400 – 500 ft/min (2 – 2.5 m/s)

• Takeoff Distance: 150 – 200 ft (45 – 60 m)

• Fuel Consumption: 1.5 – 2 gallons per hour (5 – 7.5 L/h) thanks to its minimal aerodynamic drag.

In short, the Mitchell U-2 Superwing is the perfect choice if you have the soul of a glider pilot, a passion for pure aerodynamics, and the budget of a hobbyist. It is the ultimate proof that with a clever design, tubing, foam, and determination, anyone can build a sophisticated, efficient, and spectacular flying machine right in their own garage.