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The fully enclosed 912 powered S-18 takes on a whole new
look, and operational level!
At 11:15 AM 3-28-02 a fully enclosed 912 powered S-18 took to the air. It was a perfect morning for flight testing a new plane. Winds were calm with mild temps, not something we have a lot of in March. Despite the great weather the first flight proceeded without a hitch. From the start it was apparent the 80 HP 912 was a good match. Rates of climb were at 1200-fpm solo, and
705 FPM at gross. Cruise speeds are tapping 85MPH.
The airplane is getting passing grades in handling. Light on roll, firm on pitch and rudder. The addition of a ventral fin was required to offset the added vertical area from the enclosure. " With a little more refining I believe the fully enclosed S-18 can be as fine handling as the standard open air version." Stated RANS president Randy Schlitter. "The view, comfort and handling make it one of those planes you hate to put down." Continued Schlitter.
Plans are to fly the fully enclosed S-18 to SNF and gauge the public response. The S-18 was built without the intention to enclose, and the following it has attracted are devote open-air pilots. The new enclosure should be regarded as a way to expand the planes performance envelope, both aerodynamically and operationally.
The fully enclosed empty weight is low due to the lightweight sheet metal enclosure. It weighs a mere 23 pounds more than a 100HP partially enclosed S-12XL. The empty weight ends up 635 pounds, leaving plenty of payload at the 1100 gross.
Stall speeds are below 43 MPH with flaps, so the new fully enclosed S-18 will make a dandy Sport Plane.
The unique cabin doors offer relativity easy ingress and egress. The cabin has plenty of elbow, head, and legroom, plus the smooth engine and low noise, make for a pleasant cruiser.
The fully enclosed S-18 is very suitable for floats, and off field STOL work. The rugged gear, and spunky performance belies the helicopter look; it flies like it must be at least a cousin to a Cobra gun ship!
Good strong gear makes for light work when taking on rough fields.
The front entry is enhanced with the front hinged door andfootstep.What we
thought might be a bit a of trick to enter,has turned out easy compared to
most pusher tandems.
The aft door swings up and hooks to the bottom of the wing, no climbing
through a maze of tubes, or past the front seater. 
A skeleton of lightweight formers and .020 skins made
for little weight gain.
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