Development and Design
René Stern conceived the ST-87 Europlane as an evolution of his earlier ST-80 single-seat design, aiming to create a simple yet capable two-seat homebuilt aircraft. The design emphasized ease of construction for amateur builders while delivering respectable performance and comfort. Stern's approach focused on conventional materials and construction techniques, utilizing wooden structures with doped fabric covering to keep both complexity and costs manageable for individual constructors.
The ST-87's design incorporated several thoughtful features for a homebuilt aircraft of the early 1990s. The low-wing configuration employed full-span flaps across the 25-foot wingspan, enhancing slow-speed handling characteristics crucial for recreational flying. The 43-inch-wide cabin provided generous space for two occupants seated side-by-side, a notable comfort consideration in the typically cramped homebuilt category. The bubble canopy offered excellent visibility, while wheel pants on the fixed landing gear reduced drag without the complexity of retractable systems.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The ST-87's heart is the proven Lycoming O-235 four-cylinder engine, producing 108 horsepower through a two-bladed fixed-pitch metal propeller. This powerplant, a mainstay of general aviation since the late 1940s with over 40,000 units produced across all variants, provides reliable performance for the aircraft's 1,601-pound gross weight. The engine installation accommodates the flexibility homebuilders desire, with provisions for powerplants ranging from 85 to 125 horsepower.
Performance figures reflect the ST-87's role as a capable cross-country tourer. Maximum speed reaches 150 mph, with a more economical cruise speed of 125 mph. The aircraft's 50-mph stall speed with flaps deployed provides comfortable approach speeds for shorter airstrips. Range extends to 750 miles with standard 29-gallon fuel capacity, expandable to accommodate up to 69 gallons for extended flights. The service ceiling of 13,000 feet and climb rate of 700 feet per minute offer adequate performance for typical recreational missions.
Production and Construction
Unlike mass-produced aircraft, the ST-87 reached builders through plans and kit sales rather than completed aircraft deliveries. By 1998, the small French company associated with René Stern had sold four construction kits, with two aircraft completed and flying. The estimated 2,000-hour build time represented a substantial but achievable commitment for dedicated amateur constructors, comparable to other wooden homebuilt designs of the era.
The aircraft's wooden construction with fabric covering followed time-tested techniques familiar to many homebuilders. This approach kept material costs reasonable while providing adequate structural strength for the design's intended use. The conventional construction methods also meant that repairs and maintenance could be accomplished by owners with basic woodworking skills, an important consideration for aircraft operating far from specialized maintenance facilities.
Operational History and Examples
Registered examples of the ST-87 have appeared in both France and Germany, reflecting modest international interest in the design. Notable aircraft include F-PRCP (construction number 01), photographed at Doncourt-lès-Conflans airfield in France, along with German-registered D-EDOW and French F-PPMF. These registrations demonstrate the aircraft's appeal to European homebuilders seeking a capable two-seat design.
The type's operational record includes at least two documented accidents. German-registered D-EDOW was involved in a fatal accident on September 26, 2012, while F-PPMF experienced a non-fatal incident on March 20, 2021. These events, while unfortunate, fall within typical accident rates for homebuilt aircraft and reflect the inherent risks of amateur-constructed aviation rather than fundamental design flaws.
Legacy and Current Status
The ST-87 Europlane remains a footnote in homebuilt aviation history, representing one designer's vision of an accessible two-seat aircraft for amateur construction. Limited production numbers and the small scale of René Stern's operation meant the design never achieved widespread recognition in the competitive homebuilt market. However, the aircraft's straightforward design philosophy and conventional construction methods embodied principles that continue to influence homebuilt aircraft development.
Today, the exact number of airworthy ST-87s remains unknown, though at least some examples continued flying well beyond the initial 1990s construction period. The design's legacy lies not in revolutionary innovation but in its practical approach to two-seat homebuilt aviation, offering builders a path to aircraft ownership through their own construction efforts. While never achieving the popularity of more widely promoted designs, the ST-87 Europlane represents the diversity and individual creativity that characterizes the homebuilt aircraft movement.