Aero-TV: The Thorpedo Update - Venerable Design Proves a Survivor

IndUS Aviation Re-Invigorates the Thorpedo T-211's 70-Year Tradition

During World War II, before general aviation planes became accessible as a means for public transportation, the U.S. military needed strong trainers for their growing pilot fleet. Renowned aircraft designer, John Thorp, immediately began work on the Thorpedo T-211 model. By 1946, the FAA awarded the aircraft with a Type Certificate.

Since it's original certification, the Thorp T-211 has gone through several re-engineering and modification phases, receiving re-certifications in 1964 and 1989. Shortly after Thorp Aero received re-certification in 1990, however, the company was forced to shut down production due too poor economic return. IndUS Aviation subsequently acquired the production rights and set out to re-introduce the legendary Thorpedo T-211 to the general aviation industry.

Today, IndUS Aviation combines the aircraft's traditional elegance with the technological capabilities desired by the modern aviation community. Many of the original features that made the Thorpedo T-211 a popular trainer in the 1940s help to sustain its reputation as a go-to trainer today. The aircraft model features an all-aluminum airframe with ribbed wing design and ribbed horizontal tail surface, providing a robust structure while remaining relatively light. IndUS Aviation has two variant models of the Thorpedo T-211 available today; in June of 2005, the six-cylinder Jabiru 3300 equipped T-211 became the first U.S. manufactured aircraft to earn the Special Airworthiness certificate. Additionally, the company has re-introduced the type-certified CAR 3/FAR Part 23 Normal Category T-211 version featuring the Continental O-200 Engine and a Sensinich metal propeller.

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[pody576]

I have logged over 350 hours in the Thorp T211. Very nimble, very proper little aircraft. Most of the bugs experienced by all LSA designes have been worked out on the Thorpedo. Both the 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder perform very well. The Continental 0-200 is a little heavy, but it flies great. I have not flown the diesel.

[hhunton]

By the way, the Thorpedo manufacture is moving to Weiand China to help develop General Aviation there. The market potential in Chine is HUGE and Indus (Thorpedo Company) wants to position itself to get in on the ground floor of this opportunity. They are currently building a factory there and are on track to manufacture over 100 aircraft per year once they are up and running.

[hhunton]

Hmmm, I think if the engines overheat and fail and they had poor construction quality, weak landing gear and high maintenance they wouldn't be flying all over the country going back and forth from Dallas to Oshkosh, Sebring and Lakeland would you (20-24 hours round trip to each destination)? I speak from over 100hrs flying time in the T211 Thorpedo's. They are very reliable and nice flying machines with NO bad habits. They also will NOT stall or spin thanks to John Thorp's great design.

[Avi8orKeith]

Beautiful airplane, though the company is apparently "on the ropes." No update to the website in months and no airplanes being sold.

[treladormin]

this plane is not very good...the engines overheat & fail, the construction quality is lacking, the landing gear are weak, and it is a maintenance hog...not suited as a trainer...btw, try calling the factory - the phone is disconnected

[treladormin]

this plane is not very good...the engines overheat & fail, the construction quality is lacking, the landing gear are weak, and it is a maintenance hog...not suited as a trainer...btw, try calling the factory - the phone is disconnected

[MetaView7]

very tight cockpit

[capiluis]

i don't like it

[zmatt]

Nice airplane for the price.