DICKEY « E-RACER »

Shirl Dickey's E-Racer prototype shows off its Rutan lineage.

Five views of John K. Morrison's superb E-Racer 113 (N345JM).

Design proprietor : Shirl Dickey

Type:  fast side-by-side, retractable gear variant of Long-EZ canard pusher

Powerplant: 1 x 240/160-250 hp range Buick V-B (initially)
                    1 x Franklin 6 (later on prototype)

Significant date: unknown

The E-Racer MK-1 is a fast 2-place canard with retractable gear and side-by-side seating. The plane is based on the most famous experimental plane, the Long-EZ, and is constructed from fiberglass and foam using a technique known as moldless composite construction. The airplane is a two place designed to take advantage of either aviation or automotive type powerplants, and plans built with the retractable gear available from Shirl Dickey. The E-Racer uses exactly the same wing planform, shape, and structure as the Cozy, although the Cozy wings have more glass in the spar due to the heavier weight. However, the strakes could be different sizes, so the total area would be slightly different.

Prefab wings and canard were available from Dickey, and two variants were possible from the plans: the E-Racer MK-2 modification was for aircraft engine installation, while the King Racer conversion enlarged the cockpit. What is both annoying and fascinating with the E-Racer homebuilts, compared to other Long-EZ derivatives, is the fact that no two aircraft are similar. In fact, they present a lot of differences, mostly in the choice of engine, and have been powered by engines as different in type and horsepower as the 160 hp Lycoming O-320, the Lycoming O-360 and even the supercharged Lycoming IO-540.

Despite the high number of plans that were sold, homebuilders have complained about the incomplete plans and lack of support for E-Racer builders, which often led enthusiasts to turn to a Cozy instead. Less than 10 E-Racers fly at present time, mostly in the United States, with one in France and one in Norway. "I must say in defense of Shirl, He designed a great aircraft. I am totally pleased with the end result but getting to where I am at know has taken quite a few years of individual R&D. I believe there are only about 5 E Racers flying and that is a shame, hopefully someone will take the project on and continual its development. Flying the E Racer is a star event."

The retractable landing gear system designed by Shirl Dickey for his E-Racer homebuilt has since been used as standard on Dave Ronneberg's Berkut.


Population: at least 9 [LN-ERA, N61ER, N9RC, N63RP, N345JM, F-WMKT...]

Specs:
Length: 17 ft.
Height: 7.8 ft.
Wingspan: 26.2 ft.
Wing area: 94 sq. ft.
Empty weight: 1000 lb.
Gross weight: 1800 lb.
Fuel capacity: 46 gal.
Building Time: 2000 man Hours
Information package: $9
Plans cost: $250

Performance:
Takeoff distance, ground roll: 1200 ft.
Rate of climb: 2500 fpm
Max speed: 240 mph
Cruise speed: 220 mph
Landing distance, ground roll: 1500 ft.
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft.
Range: 1000 n.mi.

Crew/passengers: 2

Main sources:
- Pilot Friend

Bob Peck's N63RP, one of the first E-Racers.

Tore Bjoelgerud's E-Racer 330 (LN-ERA), from Kjeller, Norway.

Nice sunset view of Cliff Cady's E-Racer 009 (N61ER).

French E-Racer is powered by a 4.6 Rover V8 from a Land Rover!

George Graham's Modified E-Racer from Buffalo, NY.