Jason McDowell on Instagram: "Just finished my latest “Unique Aircraft” article for @flyingmagazine , and this week’s edition focused on the Waco’s most unusual creation ever, the front-engine, rear-propeller Aristocraft. A solution in search of a problem, every aspect of the Aristocraft introduced more weight and complexity than benefit. The front-mounted engine had to be connected to the rear pusher prop via a long drive shaft and multiple couplings - a recipe that many light aircraft manufacturers attempted and none got right, primarily due to insurmountable vibration issues. In addition, without propwash to cool the engine on the ground, a separate fan/blower mechanism had to be installed, which introduced more weight and complexity that wouldn’t have been needed with a traditional powerplant layout. Read the full article for free via the link in my bio - I hope you enjoy it!"
7,060 likes, 64 comments - cessnateur on September 4, 2024: "Just finished my latest “Unique Aircraft” article for @flyingmagazine , and this week’s edition focused on the Waco’s most unusual creation ever, the front-engine, rear-propeller Aristocraft. A solution in search of a problem, every aspect of the Aristocraft introduced more weight and complexity than benefit. The front-mounted engine had to be connected to the rear pusher prop via a long drive shaft and multiple couplings - a recipe that many light aircraft manufacturers attempted and none got right, primarily due to insurmountable vibration issues. In addition, without propwash to cool the engine on the ground, a separate fan/blower mechanism had to be installed, which introduced more weight and complexity that wouldn’t have been needed with a traditional powerplant layout. Read the full article for free via the link in my bio - I hope you enjoy it!".