Grand Forks Air Force Base Airshow spotlight: "SkyDancer"

  • Published
  • By Steve and Suzanne Asbury
  • OregonAero Aerobatics
GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. --  Originally designed as a trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, the 1956 de Havilland Chipmunk (right) has been specially modified for air show aerobatics, including the base’s July 22 air show. In fact, nearly 3,000 man-hours over a two-year period were spent on giving the Sky Dancer a cruising speed of 150 miles per hour and a range of more than 500 miles. It even climbs at a rate of 2,500 per minute. 

The SkyDancer is powered by a highly modified Lycoming 10-540 engine, which is rated at more than 380 horsepower and propelled by a three-bladed wooden laminate propeller. 

To withstand the enormous stress created during aerobatics, SkyDancer has been rebuilt virtually from the landing gear up. For example, the fuselage was re-skinned with heavier gauge aluminum and flush-riveted for enhanced aerodynamics.
The wings, which were originally fabric covered, are now covered with a single piece of aluminum. They were shortened three feet, and the control surfaces were made larger for better handling. 

The SkyDancer’s air show routine is choreographed to special music and a story line, both selected for their suitability for aerobatic maneuvers and their ability to add spirit and emotion to the performance.