Luscombe Aircraft History

This is only the briefest (as in sketchiest) outline of Luscombe history.

Most people think of the Luscombe 8 series when they think of Luscombes. In fact, Don Luscombe was responsible for a long lineage of revolutionary aircraft, starting in the 1920s. One of his early (and very popular) designs was named the Monocoupe, built in the late twenties. This aircraft and its variations were extremely popular on the racing circuit, often beating much more powerful rivals.

The Phantom -- a classic Luscombe design -- started production in 1934, and continued throught at least 1941. Fewer than ten of these arcraft still exist in the United States (try searching the N-Number database on this site), although 25 were originally manufactured.

But it's the 8 series, manufactured from approximately 1938 to 1960, that most folks think of when they think "Luscombe". The original 8 (or 8A) was a 50HP rag-wing airplane. By the time that the 8F rolled off the line, Luscombes were a 90HP metal-wing airplane. Not that the demise of the Luscombe factory stopped progress; today there are a variety of modified Luscombes flying, frequently with 150HP Lycoming O-235 or O-320 engines. In fact one mod was a turbine-powered version.

There were many other designs along the way, some of which were built and some, such as a helicopter in the early forties, that only made it as far as the drawing board.

Finally, this brief sketch would be incomplete without mentioning the T8-F (a tandem-seating version), and Model 11, a four-seat model.

For even more information on the heritage of the Luscombe, visit the Continental Luscombe Association's website at www.Luscombe-CLA.org.

Updated: April 17, 2005