Stits SA-8 Skeeto

The Stits SA-8A Skeeto is an early homebuilt ultralight design by Ray Stits.

Development

The Skeeto was initially intended to be an affordable light aircraft that could be built complete for under $500 in 1957. The fuselage was welded steel tubing, with mostly fabric covered wood construction for the wings and control surfaces. The engine for this kit venture was to be a low cost off-the shelf model.

Test model 1 was a Continental modified for.
Test model 2 was a two cycle engine with a belt reduction.
Test model 3 used two engines on a single v-belt making it a twin engine which flew at 25 mph.
Test model 4 had a homelite chainsaw engine at
Test model 5 used a Disston chain saw engine at
Test model 6 used a Disston chain saw engine mounted inverted.
Test model 7 used an Inverted Evinrude outboard boat motor.
Test model 8 used a right-side up Evinrude.

Operational history

Test flights were limited to the length of the runway after the aircraft was registered as a "research and development" project. The roll rate was so low at 20-30 mph, that rudder turns were preferred. The 3-4 pound wing loading was considered impractically light for handling. An example of a SA-8 Skeeto was donated to the Claremont, California Air Museum in 1958, it is now in the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.