Page 13 - The Bill Sadler Story sample pages
P. 13
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FAST FASTER FASTEST
work of prototyping the aircraft so that they could create the fuselage out of multi-layered
laminated fiberglass. The airframe was rated at +/-9 Gs. To power the Piranha, Bill specified
two Chevrolet V8 engines, one for installation in the aircraft and one as a spare, both of which
were mildly modified to pump out 450 horsepower. He also specified a reduction gearbox to
run the propeller at 80 per cent of engine speed, as well as landing gear and other custom-
built parts. As the parts were delivered, Bill and his crew would assemble the various
components.
TOP: Bill poses beside the
Piranha. (Sadler Family
Collection)
MIDDLE: Chevrolet V8 in the
Bill Sadler Piranha. (Sadler
Family Collection)
BOTTOM: A strength test
of the wings of the Piranha.
(Sadler Family Collection)
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