Payen Pa 49 Katy
Posted by InvertedBoat@reddit | WeirdWings | View on Reddit | 20 comments
A French delta-wing research aircraft from the 1950s. The landing gear originally had a bicycle layout, replaced by a tricycle layout before the first flight. After the test flight program the plane was donated to the miser de l’air et de l’espace at le Bourget.
mechant_papa@reddit
I've visited the museum. That whole room is an absolute trip! The "hall des prototypes" some incredible examples of oddities that only the French could create.
https://www.museeairespace.fr/a-voir-a-faire/expositions-permanentes/hall-des-prototypes/
Smooth_Imagination@reddit
Is the undergear retractable?
InvertedBoat@reddit (OP)
No, it is fixed.
Bonespurfoundation@reddit
Such a small vert stab. Seems like it would be flat spin city on approach.
Ramdak@reddit
I fail to grasp the scale of this plane, it looks like an rc model
InvertedBoat@reddit (OP)
It is tiny. Wingspan 5.16 meter, length 5.10 meter.
Smooth_Imagination@reddit
It looks a little too big to fit on a desk.
Ramdak@reddit
Oh wow, it is!
starkruzr@reddit
where are you, like, putting the fuel tank in this?
okonom@reddit
It was a platform for testing and demonstrating tailless delta flight characteristics, so its approximately one hour of fuel was sufficient. Presumably the tanks were in the wings.
BloodRush12345@reddit
I assume wings and the tail behind the pilot.
Mental_Test_3785@reddit
I agree, those wings don't thin much until the end. Could fit a whole lot of fuel for such a tiny jet in there.
EfficiencyItchy1156@reddit
Looks like a James Bond personal transportation machine
FranciscoDisco73@reddit
Looks even smaller than the SAAB 210 Lildraken.
weirdal1968@reddit
Looks like a jet version of a Me-163.
bigmike2k3@reddit
I’m seeing something more based on Lippisch’s nutty-looking prototypes like the P13
One-Internal4240@reddit
Nicolas Roland Payen actually predates Lippisch's iconic deltas like the Lippisch P.13 by a bit.
forgottensudo@reddit
That flew?!?
Wow. I thought it was an early-stage presentation model.
Never seen that before, thanks :)
The_Ecolitan@reddit
Thunderbirds are go!
nazihater3000@reddit
Came to say that, little cute stall machine looks right from Thundebirds!