N34341 Meyers OTW Series of Training Biplanes, Rev.1

The Meyers OTW (Out To Win) series of training biplanes was designed by Allen H. Meyers in Techumseh, Michigan starting in 1936. Three versions based upon engine power differences were produced for the Civilian Pilot Training Program prior to and during World War II. The OTW 125 of 1939 had a Warner Scarab 7 cylinder radial 125 hp. engine. The OTW 145 of 1940 had a Warner Super Scarab of 145 Hp. and this was followed by the OTW 160 with a 160 hp. Kinner R-56 5 cylinder radial. 

A considerable number were produced between 1940 and 1944 for schools operating under the CAA War Training Service. The 125 Hp. version cruised at 105 mph with a 40 mph landing speed giving a safety ratio of 2.5 to 1, among the best in the light plane field. The aircraft was instrumented both for primary as well as advanced flight training.

Construction is an oval 24 ST Alclad covered fuselage semi-monocoque to the rear cockpit and fully monocoque to the tail. Wings of plywood ribs utilized a Meyers-designed airfoil and spruce spars, fabric covered. The tail is all-metal alloy operated by compression tubes. The ailerons on lower wings only are also all-metal. Note the large area control surfaces.

The relatively heavy wing stagger allows wide viewing from either cockpit. There is also wide spacing between the wings adding to forward visibility and less airflow interference between the two, aiding in lifting ability and greater control in low speed maneuvering.

These large wings prevent a 'sporty' roll rate but do give tight turns due to the wing surface exposed by the wing stagger. A welcome factor is the soft landing characteristics at just 40 mph. The 8 foot wide undercarriage with large tires distributes the load shock on landing and straightens out wobbly landings. The lower wing mount position allows a long compression undercarriage strut attached to the top fuselage longeron with front vee struts centered on the underside of the metal fuselage. The brakes are strong and the tailwheel swivels, yielding good ground handling. The OTW was considered a docile, easy to fly biplane trainer with good performance characteristics. N34341 illustrated is a 1943 Meyers OTW 160 fly in visitor tied down at SZP. Click on the picture to see the Aircraft N34341 Profile page.

Specifications:

Wing span: 30'
Wing area: 262 Sq. Ft.
Length: 22'8"
Height: 8'6"
Weight empty, 125 hp: 1,207 lbs.
Gross weight: 1,787 lbs.
Weight empty, 160 hp: 1,340 lbs.
Gross weight: 1,910 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 26 gallons
Baggage capacity: 10 lbs.

Performance, OTW 160 Hp:

VCruise:105 mph
Max speed: 120 mph
Landing speed: 40 mph
Initial climb rate: 1.200 ft./min.
Service ceiling: 17,500 ft.
Range: 400 miles

Meyers Aircraft Company after the war also designed  the rare MAC 125-C monoplane and, as a higher-powered development in 1948 the MAC 145 with Continental C145-2H 145 Hp, a two place side-by-side retractible taildragger built to order in small numbers between 1949 and 1956. In 1961 production of the 145, now 145T, resumed briefly with retractible tricycle gear. More recently, Micco Aircraft purchased in 1994 and briefly reintroduced the MAC 145 redesigned with two higher horsepower retractible taildragger models as the Micco SP-20 and SP-26. The SP-20 was certified in 2000 with 200 hp but never delivered the expected horsepower performance, reportedly about 20 kts 'shy' with engine breathing and exhaust restriction problems. The SP-26 also certified with 260 hp was a good performer, but very few were built before cessation of Micco operations.

The tri-gear retractible Meyers 200A, 200B and  200C were developed by Al Meyers from the Meyers 145 as four place aircraft, with the model 200 prototype first flying in 1953, which outperformed the equivalent-powered Beech Bonanzas in 260 Hp with Continental O-470-M in the A, B and C model versions but with less load carrying capability and tighter four place cabins. The 200A doubled the fuel capacity to 80 gallons optional (74 usable), entering production in 1959 and introduced a fuel-injected engine. The Meyers-developed 200D model with 285 Hp Continental IO-520 engine also performs better than its 285 Hp Bonanza peers. The Meyers 200 series are coveted for their hand-built strength, looks and speed. Meyers built about 40 of the four place 200A, B and C 260 Hp models, essentially as custom crafted to individual orders.

Subsequently, Rockwell Aero Commander purchased the Meyers 200D 285 Hp design in 1965 and produced it in the state of Georgia as the Aero Commander 200D in 1965, 1966 and 1967; about 95 built  without financial success.  A 400 shp turbine-powered example of the 200 design was constructed in 1980 by another company as the Prop-Jets Interceptor 400.