STEWART Headwind

Stewart Headwind: The Mini Golden Age Racer

The Stewart Headwind is a charismatic single-seater designed by Don Stewart to capture the spirit and style of the “Golden Age” of aviation (the 1930s). It looks like a shrunken version of a classic air racer (like the famous “Mr. Mulligan”), yet it is powered by a humble automotive engine. It is the perfect blend of nostalgic aesthetics and practical, affordable homebuilding.

Why Is It a Legend?

• Classic Styling: With its round cowling, slender fuselage, and often spatted wheels, it turns heads on the ramp. It looks like a vintage factory airplane, not a garage project.

• The VW Masterpiece: It was specifically designed to maximize the potential of the Volkswagen air-cooled engine. It is widely considered one of the best airframes ever matched to a VW conversion.

• Robust Construction: Built with a welded steel tube fuselage and fabric covering, it offers “real airplane” structural integrity. It feels solid and substantial in the air, unlike many ultralights.

• Customizable: Since it is built from plans (blueprints) rather than a snap-together kit, builders often modify the wings or cockpit to suit their needs, making every Headwind unique.

Performance and Key Numbers
The Headwind isn’t just about looks; it is an honest, stable cross-country flyer that offers surprising speed for its low horsepower.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 1 pilot

• Wingspan: 28 ft 3 in (8.6 m)

• Length: 17 ft 9 in (5.4 m)

• Wing Area: 111 sq ft (10.3 m²)

• Empty Weight: 650 – 700 lbs (295 – 317 kg)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 1,100 lbs (499 kg)

• Useful Load: Approx. 400 lbs (180 kg)

• Typical Engine Power: 50 – 70 hp (Modified VW 1600cc to 2180cc)

Performance:

• Glide Ratio: 10:1

• Cruise Speed: 100 – 115 mph (160 – 185 km/h)

• Stall Speed: 38 – 42 mph (61 – 67 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: 600 – 800 ft/min (3 – 4 m/s)

• Takeoff Distance: 350 – 500 ft (105 – 150 m)

• Fuel Consumption: 3 – 4 gallons per hour (11 – 15 L/h)

• Range: Approx. 350 miles (560 km)

In short, the Stewart Headwind is the perfect choice if you are a romantic who loves the look of 1930s aviation, enjoys welding, and wants a classy, proven airplane that runs on car gas.