Rainbow Aerotrike
Aerotrike | |
---|---|
Role | Ultralight trike |
National origin | South Africa |
Manufacturer | Rainbow Aircraft |
Status | In production |
Number built | 70 (Aerotrike Cobra, 2005) |
The Rainbow Aerotrike is a family of South African two-seat ultralight trikes, made by Rainbow Aircraft of Edenvale, Gauteng and available in kit form for amateur construction or fully assembled. The type has been noted for its long-distance flights.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Design and development[]
The current Aerotrike series comprises two variants of the same basic design, the Scout and Cobra. Both share the same basic design, including the two-seat carriage frame, suspension, steering and folding inverted "V" mast assembly. The Scout is equipped minimally, while the Cobra has many options as standard equipment, including a cockpit pod fairing, windshield, instrument panel, saddle bags and wheel pants.[1][6]
Both models require 30–40 hours to assemble from the supplied kit.[1]
Operational history[]
The Aerotrike series were the choice of Mike Blyth for his record long-distance flights. The first in 1995 was from Cape Town, South Africa to North Cape, Norway a distance of 10,255 mi (16,504 km) and the second was an around-the-world flight of 29,000 mi (46,671 km).[1][2][3]
Variants[]
- Cobra
- Fully equipped version with full cockpit fairing. Standard engine is 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL four-stroke with the 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS optional. It was previously available with the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-stroke powerplant. The standard wing is the , with the and La Mouette wings as optional. Standard fuel is 21 U.S. gallons (79 L; 17 imp gal). Still in production, 70 had been completed and flown by 2005.[1][2][5][6]
- Naked Cobra
- Cobra trike, but without the cockpit fairing included, making the aircraft lighter and less expensive.[6]
- Safari
- Very basic model without cockpit fairing. Standard engine is 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 with the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-stroke optional. When it was still in production the 74 hp (55 kW) Rotax 618 was available. The standard wing is the . Out of production, 45 had been completed and flown as of 2000.[2][4]
- Scout
- Basic-equipped version without cockpit fairing, but with suspension. Standard engine is 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 with the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-stroke or 60 hp (45 kW) HKS 700E four-stroke engine optional. When it was still in production the 74 hp (55 kW) Rotax 618 was available as well. The standard wing is the , with the , , and wings as optional. Standard fuel is 13 U.S. gallons (49 L; 11 imp gal). Still in production, 45 had been completed and flown as of 2000.[1][4][6][7]
- Spirit
- Fully equipped version with full cockpit fairing. Standard engine is 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-stroke. Standard fuel is 14 U.S. gallons (53 L; 12 imp gal). No longer in production.[3]
Specifications (Scout with Spirit 14.8 wing)[]
Data from Cliche and Rainbow Aircraft[1][7][8]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Wingspan: 10.2 m (33 ft 6 in)
- Height: 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 14.8 m2 (159 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 154 kg (340 lb)
- Gross weight: 400 kg (882 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 13 U.S. gallons (49 L; 11 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 , 37 kW (50 hp)
- Propellers: 3-bladed Powerfin
Performance
- Maximum speed: 115 km/h (71 mph, 62 kn)
- Cruise speed: 100 km/h (62 mph, 54 kn)
- Stall speed: 56 km/h (35 mph, 30 kn)
- Never exceed speed: 140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
- Range: 325 km (202 mi, 175 nmi) at 80 km/h
- Service ceiling: 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
- Maximum glide ratio: 8:1
- Rate of climb: 4 m/s (790 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 27 kg/m2 (5.5 lb/sq ft)
See also[]
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References[]
- ^ a b c d e f g Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page C-1. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
- ^ a b c d Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 108. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b c Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 235. BAI Communications. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
- ^ a b c Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, page 49. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
- ^ a b Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 49. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- ^ a b c d e Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, pages 219-220. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b Rainbow Aircraft (n.d.). "Aerotrike Scout Operator's Manual" (PDF). Retrieved 18 February 2011.
- ^ Rainbow Aircraft (n.d.). "Scout". Archived from the original on 16 August 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
External links[]
- 1990s South African ultralight aircraft
- Ultralight trikes