The LAVEN LACO-125 is a civil experimental aircraft developed in the 1970s by designer Joe Laven. Built in Desert Hot Springs, California, the aircraft represents a specialized homebuilt project rather than a product of a large-scale manufacturing company. The prototype first took to the air on May 29, 1977, marking the beginning of the type's operational history.
Designed as a two-place, open-cockpit biplane, the LACO-125 was engineered for versatility in its powerplant options. The aircraft was designed to accommodate interchangeable engine installations within the Continental C-series range, specifically supporting both 125 hp and 145 hp variants. The model designation "LACO-125" is derived directly from the 125 hp Continental engine utilized in the original prototype. These piston engines provide the necessary thrust for a landplane categorized by ICAO as a light single-piston aircraft (L1P) with a wake turbulence category of L/G.
Technically, the LACO-125 features a compact airframe with a wingspan of 6.9 meters (approximately 22 feet 8 inches) and a total length of 5.9 meters (approximately 19 feet 6 inches). Performance data indicates a maximum speed of 124 mph and a cruise speed of 113 mph, with a listed landing or stall speed of 56 mph. The aircraft has a documented range of 325 miles and a load capacity of 540 lb.
In terms of service, the LACO-125 has operated exclusively as a private civil aircraft with no recorded military or commercial application. One specific surviving example, registered as N1KN, has been documented in aviation circles and was photographed at Oshkosh in 1995. While total production numbers are not authoritatively recorded, at least one airworthy example is verified. The aircraft's legacy is defined by its status as a successful 1970s homebuilt design and its official recognition through the assignment of the ICAO code LACO.