CoolPix - Homebuilt: The 'Back To The Future' Dyke Delta
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:16PM 
(click pic for hi-res) Dave Williams' homebuilt Dyke Delta at Oshkosh 2010
There's quite a story to go with this Dyke Delta (N18DW) built and owned by Dave Williams. In fact, after you click on this CoolPix image (so you can see it really big) you should go read this EAA Sport Aviation story about Dave's Dyke Delta experience - originally completing the airplane way back in 1972, and then rebuilding it about 25 years later.
I find the Dyke Delta to be one of the most amazing aviation accomplishments (homebuilt or otherwise) that still doesn't seem to get the attention it deserves. I also think this proven design is aching for a carbon fiber version that would be lighter and substantially more low-drag. It's already a great performer, so a plastic version would really scoot! Plus, I think that seating arrangement of pilot up front and 2 or 3 in the back on a bench seat is really slick. Maybe that's one of the things that keeps people away tho... I dunno, but I sure think it's a magnificent flying machine.
You can definitely put a Dyke Delta in my fantasy hangar : )
Reader Comments (5)
Martt, I had an obsession with the DD as a kid. Sorta still do. Scratch built 3 wood models of it and John Dyke approved of all. I was real proud. Every fly-in I went to with my folks would find me drooling and crawling under the delta, if it was there, to get details for the next model. The last one I built had folding wings and the elevons worked through the stick. Wish I still had them. I feel the same as you, not enough credit given and John will remind you of that given the chance. ; ) I think the biggest reason that 600 sets of plans sold and only 15 or so completed was the entire structure is welded. It's pretty labor intense, which I don't mind. JD told me when I was a teen to learn to weld and like it and I'll be ready to build. I like to weld, but $ and age have swayed me away from high performance ships.
seerjfly- I'm happy to see you like the Dyke Delta as well! One of these days I'm gonna get up close and personal with one so I can do an extensive report on it. Maybe I can even find a way to get a ride in one : )
Next time you're out Ohio way we'll give John a call. He never remembers me, but he loves to talk deltas with anyone ! Don't know about the ride, though. He's getting up there.
seerjfly- You bring up a good point... I should go talk with the man himself. I'll start thinking that thru.
Let me know, I'd like to be there, too ! Bob