How much power did the Bede BD-2 use in cruise flight?

Short answer

In cruise, the Bede BD-2's engine produced only 30 hp (22.4 kW). It was a specially modified Continental IO-360-C, fitted to a converted Schweizer SGS 2-32. Jim Bede designed it to attempt a non-stop round-the-world flight, and the aircraft could carry 565 US gallons (2,138 liters) of fuel.

Published: November 4, 2026 · Updated: November 4, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How much power did the Bede BD-2 use in cruise flight?

Arlington Sisu 1A

A modified Continental IO-360-C

The BD-2 was a modified Schweizer SGS 2-32 fitted with a specially modified Continental IO-360-C. That modified engine delivered only 30 hp (22.4 kW) during the cruise portion of the flight. The aircraft was designed by Jim Bede to attempt a non-stop round-the-world flight without refuelling. It could carry 565 US gallons (2,138 litres) of fuel in tanks located in the wing and in the fuselage.

The 1969 record

Between 7 and 10 November 1969 the aircraft set a world closed-circuit distance record for piston-engined aircraft, covering 8,973.38 miles (14,441.26 km) in 70 hours and 15 minutes. The flight had to be stopped because of a total electrical failure.