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Video of flight in this plane

http://vimeo.com/78288844

This airplane was in the air over Molokai,Hawaii on December 7th 1941 during the Japanese invasion.
Flew as a spotter plane the rest of the War.
The Interstate Cadet is an American two-seat tandem, high wing, single engine monoplane light aircraft. Around 320 of these aircraft were produced between the years of 1941 and 1942 by the Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation based in El Segundo, California. The construction techniques employed were a welded steel tube fuselage, wood (spruce) wing structure with metal ribs, and fabric covering, all of which were fairly standard in the 1940s.

The aircraft in its original version (the S1 prototype) was powered by the 50hp Continental A-50 engine, but was soon upgraded (the S1-A-65F variant) to the Continental A-65 engine. This was the mainstay used in most small two-seat aircraft of the time. This aircraft was also used in WW2, being named the L-6A.

Some have wondered why the S1 did not become successful during early 40's. One reason is that this aircraft cost almost three times the amount of the comparable J-3 Cub. However, a close look at the two aircraft reveals that the Cadet is far superior. It is faster, stronger, and can be operated in a more rugged environment with its Oleo strut/Compression spring suspension system. Popular upgrades for this airframe include: larger engines(75/85/90/100hp), better brakes, and a different tailwheel system.

General characteristics

Crew: 2
Length: 23 ft 5 in (7.14 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
Height: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Empty weight: 1,103 lb (500 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 1,650 lb (748 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Continental A-50 , 50 hp (37 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 114 mph (183 km/h; 99 kn)
Cruise speed: 105 mph (91 kn; 169 km/h)
Range: 540 mi (469 nmi; 869 km)
Service ceiling: 16,500 ft (5,029 m)