Steen Aero Lab Skybolt

Single Piston

The Steen Skybolt is a high-performance aerobatic biplane sold as a plans-built kit by Steen Aero Lab since the 1970s. Designed by Lamar Steen as a two-seat open-cockpit sport aircraft, the Skybolt combines classic biplane aesthetics with modern aerobatic capability, typically powered by Lycoming engines ranging from 180 to 200 horsepower. Its steel-tube fuselage and wooden wing structure make it a favorite among homebuilders seeking a traditional construction project with spirited performance. With a roll rate exceeding 180 degrees per second and a never-exceed speed of 230 knots, the Skybolt delivers genuine aerobatic capability in the Pitts Special tradition but with tandem seating and slightly more forgiving handling. The design has proven popular in the experimental aircraft community for its blend of vintage charm and robust aerobatic credentials, often seen at airshows and fly-ins across North America. Hundreds have been completed since the plans were first offered, with builders drawn to its straightforward construction methods and the satisfaction of flying a classic biplane they built themselves. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.