WLT Sparrow

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Sparrow ML
Role Tandem seat ultralight
National origin Czech Republic
Manufacturer Wolfsberg Aircraft s.r.o.
Designer Alec N Clark
First flight 24 August 2010
Introduction March 2013
Status in production
Number built 13 by end-2017

The Wolfsberg Aircraft Sparrow ML is a twin boom, pusher configuration ultralight aircraft seating two in tandem. Designed and built in the Czech Republic.

Design and development[]

The Sparrow is largely built from carbon fibre. Its wing has a short span rectangular section between the tail-booms and straight-tapered outer panels with angled tips. There are short ailerons with flaps between them and the twin slender booms. Each boom carries an angled, straight edged fin and rudder; the tailplane, with a one-piece elevator fitted with an offset trim tab, is mounted on top of the fins.[1]

The Sparrow's fuselage has a smooth profile partly defined by multipanel glazing that extends almost from the nose back beyond the wing leading edge. Access to both of the tandem seats is via a wide port-side door. The aircraft is normally flown from the front; the rear seat, placed over the leading edge, can also be provided with controls and instrumentation for an instructor (the Trainer version) or, as on the Clubman, be a passenger position. A ballistic recovery parachute is an option. The Sparrow has a fixed tricycle undercarriage; all three wheels have speed fairings and the main wheels have faired legs under the wings, raked back from the forward ends of the booms.[1]

The Sparrow first flew on 24 August 2010 and production started in 2012.[2] It achieved Czech certification on 1 March 2013 and by the summer of that year six had been built.[1] French certification was obtained in January 2014[3] and it appeared on public display for the first time at the AERO Friedrichshafen show in 2014. The display example is a later version powered by a 75 kW (100 hp) Rotax 912 ULS flat-four, air- and liquid-cooled engine.[1][4]

Variants[]

Sparrow ML Clubman
Controls and instruments for front seat only.
Sparrow ML Trainer
Dual controls and instruments. 12 kg (26 lb) heavier than the Clubman.

Specifications (Rotax 912 UL engine)[]

Data from Wolfsberg Aircraft [5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 7.00 m (23 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.1 m (29 ft 10 in)
  • Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
  • Wing area: 11.6 m2 (125 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 272 kg (600 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 472.5 kg (1,042 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 60 litres (13 imp gal; 16 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912 UL air and water-cooled horizontally opposed 4-cylinder in pusher configuration, 60 kW (80 hp)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed Klassic 170/3, 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) diameter composite,[6][dead link] with ground adjustable pitch

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 210 km/h (130 mph, 110 kn)
  • Stall speed: 57 km/h (35 mph, 31 kn) flaps down
  • Never exceed speed: 234 km/h (145 mph, 126 kn)
  • Minimum control speed: 60 km/h (37 mph, 32 kn)
  • Take-off distance to clear 15 m (50 ft): 210 m (689 ft)
  • Landing distance from 15 m (50 ft): 210 m (689 ft)

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d Gunston, Bill (2015). Jane's All the World's Aircraft : development & production : 2015-16. IHS Global. p. 210. ISBN 978-0-7106-3135-0.
  2. ^ Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 88. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. ^ "Sparrow Aircraft". Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  4. ^ "Aero Friedrichshafen". Air Britain World. 66 (2): 101. June 2014.
  5. ^ "Wolfsberg Aircraft s.r.o." Retrieved 3 September 2017.
  6. ^ "Woodkomp Klassic 170". Archived from the original on 23 July 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
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