Paulistinha Design Review

Resumo

Paulistinha was the first airplane developed and constructed in industrial form in Brazil. It was inspired
in the initial designs of the Taylor Cub in US, having however several differences, to accommodate local
technological possibilities, mostly. It resulted from a semi-empirical approach, having suffered many changes
during its long maturation life, from its start in Ipiranga, São Paulo in the 1930 ́s up to the end of its serial
fabrication in Botucatu, in the late 1970 ́s. In this research starting, from the drawings of the airplane, a model
of the structure is constructed. Wings and fuselage are compiled to detail, from local measures in a real airplane.
A model is then developed in computer, from the drawings, to ascertain aerodynamic and structural
characteristics. Finite element procedures are used in the analysis. Results show large safety values and therefore
margins for improvements with the model. Its concept may be extended to new planes using alternative
propulsion, construction materials and applications including the much required versatility of hydroplanes.