Backstrom EPB-1 Flying Plank

The Backstrom EPB-1 Flying Plank is an American mid-wing, single seat, tailless glider that was designed by Al Backstrom, with assistance from Phil Easley and Jack Powell in 1954 and made available as plans for amateur construction.

[1][2] The Flying Plank was intended to be an aircraft that could be built at home, that would be of minimum size and yet still provide reasonable soaring performance.

The prototype Plank featured tip rudders and was used for drag-reduction tests conducted at Mississippi State University before it was retired.

[1][2] The EPB-1 is constructed with a wooden structure, with doped aircraft fabric covering.

At least one two-place side-by-side seating version was built in Australia, and another as a motor glider.

1957 EPB-1
1958 Todhunter Twin Plank
1960 EPB-1A
1964 EPB-1C
1975 WBP-1