Summary

The Arctic Tern is a factory produced two seat aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 1,900 lbs. The Arctic Tern was produced in Anchorage, Alaska in the 1970s and 80s by Arctic Aircraft. The Arctic Tern is an updated design based on the Interstate Cadet S-1B1, which first flew in 1941. It was first certified as the S-1B2, however a range of additional modifications were certified since then under the name Interstate Aircraft and it became known as the Arctic Tern. In total 32 certified aircraft were produced, plus a handful of experimental models.

The fuselage, empennage, and landing gear are welded steel tube structures covered in fabric. It features seaplane doors on both sides, and occupants sit in tandem configuration. The controls include a stick and rudder pedals with toe brakes. The rear seat is removable and the fuselage is approximately 29" wide. The main landing gear is hinged at the fuselage and both wheels are connected by diagonal struts to a single shared shock absorber. This arrangement is such that both gear must travel up / down at the same time and speed. The wheel track is 6'2". The horizontal stabilizer is braced with flying wires and the vertical stabilizer is equipped with a strobe light.

A great video of the Arctic Tern in action:

The cargo area is notable on the Arctic Tern. It is unusually long, running from the rear seat almost as far back as the horizontal stabilizer. It is long enough to sleep inside, and a light is provided inside the cargo area. The cargo area volume is 32.5 ft³, and a lockable access door is provided on the starboard of the cargo area, about half way along. The cargo area is furnished with a tray to catch and contain debris from whatever dirty cargo will be carried.

The wings are fabric covered and braced with double aluminum struts in the Cub tradition. The main spar is an aluminum box extrusion. The Tern features wing flaps and ailerons in about equal length each, with up to 50 degrees of flap. The wingtips are a Hoerner design with built-in strobe / navigation lights. Fuel is carried in conventional wing tanks which start one rib outboard from the fuselage, allowing some space for storing small items in the wing root. The tanks drop out from the bottom of the wing for maintenance access. The wing airfoil is the NACA 23012, which is a semi-symmetrical airfoil. This category of airfoil shape is known for providing some speed advantages at the detriment of very low speed lift.

The engine cowling is a simple two-piece design which provides wide access for maintenance.

Model distinctions

The 4-place Arctic Tern Privateer was produced in very small numbers and certified as EXPERIMENTAL only.

The very rare 4-seat Privateer.

Specifications

Notable issues

The length of the cargo area makes it possible to load the aircraft well outside the permissible centre of gravity (CG) range. To combat the risk of cargo moving in-flight, 18 tie-down points are provided in the cargo area. With the baggage compartment empty, little of the aircraft’s weight is balanced on the tailwheel.

Some of the older models have wooden spars which may or may not be a maintenance consideration for potential buyers. Given the rarity of the type, a limited number of STCs are available.