Airdrome Aeroplanes
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Robert Baslee |
| Headquarters | Holden, Missouri , United States |
Key people | Robert Baslee (CEO) |
| Products | Aircraft kits, replica aircraft |
Number of employees | 2 |
Airdrome Aeroplanes is a U.S.-based aircraft manufacturer established by Robert Baslee, specializing in kits designed for amateur builders. The company, located in Holden, Missouri, concentrates on producing replicas of early aviation aircraft from the pre-World War I era, representing models used by both the Central Powers and the Allies of World War I.
History
Robert Baslee’s aviation journey began in his youth with model airplane construction, supported financially through various employments. He obtained his private pilot license at age 17 and later completed a degree in mechanical engineering. Prior to founding Airdrome Aeroplanes, Baslee constructed and sold multiple homebuilt aircraft. He then developed a streamlined replica of the Fokker Dr.1, substituting intricate wooden frameworks with aluminum tubing and pop-riveted gussets. Enhancements to flight characteristics were achieved by altering the airfoil shape and adjusting the center of gravity.
The initial Triplane prototype was unveiled at EAA AirVenture in 1989, which led to significant kit orders and the establishment of Airdrome Aeroplanes. Each kit undergoes roughly 1,000 hours of design and testing, with prototypes serving as references to produce comprehensive construction manuals.
With a team of two employees, including Baslee as CEO, the company averages shipping one kit weekly and has approximately 500 aircraft currently operational. Airdrome Aeroplanes earned industry acclaim for manufacturing four full-scale Nieuport 17 replicas within 52 days for the 2006 movie Flyboys, as well as producing a Morane L replica for the 2009 film Amelia.
Aircraft
Sources: Kitplanes and Airdrome Aeroplanes
| Model | Maiden flight | Quantity built | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bleriot Model XI | 1 | Replica of an early pioneer aircraft | |
| Dream Classic | 49 | Based on the pioneer Santos-Dumont Demoiselle | |
| Dream Fantasy Twin | 4 | Two-seat variant of the Dream Classic | |
| Eindecker E-III | 14 | Replica from World War I era | |
| Fokker DR-1 | 23/5 | World War I replicas at full size and three-quarter scale | |
| Fokker D-VI | 7 | Three-quarter scale World War I replica | |
| Fokker D-VII | 2 | Scaled to 80% of original World War I model | |
| Fokker D-VIII | 16 | Three-quarter scale World War I replica | |
| Taube | 1 | Replica from World War I period | |
| Morane Saulnier L | 1 | World War I era replica | |
| Nieuport 11 | 1 | Seven-eighths scale World War I replica | |
| Nieuport 17 | 7 | Replica from World War I era | |
| Nieuport 24 | 12 | World War I replica model | |
| Nieuport 25 | Replica from World War I period | ||
| Nieuport 28 | 1 | World War I era replica | |
| Sopwith Pup | =2 | Replica of World War I fighter | |
| = Sopwith Camel | =1 | =World War I replica |