21 July 2025
For the past ten years, a bunch of engineers and others have been secretly designing and producing a single-seat 1930s styled aircraft powered by their own engine – and result is on show for the first time at EAA Airventure Oshkosh.
The aircraft is the SE-1 and it’s from Colorado company Spirit Engineering. What’s more, this isn’t some one-off prototype. No fewer than four SE-1 aircraft flew to Oshkosh from Grand Junction, Colorado and the company has shared photos of its impressive manufacturing base.
Production line at Spirit Engineering is already filling up! Photos: Spirit Engineering
A statement from Spirit Engineering said, “During the mid-20th century, hopeful pilots were inspired by the gleaming, all-metal monoplanes that filled the skies. Aviation was affordable, and a new airplane could be purchased for little more than the price of a new car. Spirit Engineering recalls that era to bring back affordable aviation with the SE-1.”
The SE-1 is a ready-to-fly factory built aircraft with a basic price of $69,500 (about £51,700). Deliveries will start this autumn.
It’s powered by a 1288cc V-twin four-stroke aircooled engine of Spirit’s own design and manufacture. It is said to develop 42hp and burn two US gallons of mogas an hour – that’s an 7.5 litres/hour.
Wingload test with the Spirit Engineering team!
Standard features include:
V-twin engine is Spirit’s own design and manufacture
Wingspan 24ft 7in
Length 18ft
Design gross weight 740 lb
Empty weight 420 lb
Useful load 320 lb
Max cruise speed 112mph
Cruise speed @ 75% power 100mph
Climb rate 750 ft/min
Stall speed 45mph
Takeoff roll 500ft
Landing roll 800ft
Fuel capacity 8 usg
Fuel consumption 1.8 – 2.2 usg/hr in cruise
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