Cygnet | |
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Role | GliderType of aircraft |
National origin | United States |
Designer | Donald Roberts |
First flight | 1992 |
Status | Production completed |
Number built | One |
The Roberts Cygnet is an American high-wing, cruciform tail, single-seat, glider that was designed and produced by Donald Roberts as a contender for the IGC World Class sailplane.
Design and development
The Cygnet was the sole US entrant in the competition for the World Class sailplane, losing out to the Polish Politechnika Warszawska PW-5. As a result only one Cygnet was completed. The prototype was finished and first flown in 1992
The aircraft is made from steel tubing and aluminium, with fiberglass fairings. Its 13 m (42.7 ft) span wing employs a Somers-Maughmer SM701 airfoil and features balanced top and bottom DFS-style air brakes for glidepath control. A ballistic parachute was to be standard equipment.
Operational history
In August 2011 the sole Cygnet built was still listed on the US Federal Aviation Administration registry.
Specifications (Cygnet)
Data from Sailplane Directory
General characteristics
- Crew: One
- Wingspan: 42 ft 8 in (13 m)
- Wing area: 103 sq ft (9.6 m)
- Aspect ratio: 18:1
- Airfoil: Somers-Maughmer SM701
- Empty weight: 364 lb (165 kg)
- Gross weight: 606 lb (275 kg)
Performance
- Wing loading: 5.88 lb/sq ft (28.7 kg/m)
See also
Related lists
References
- ^ Activate Media (2006). "Cygnet Roberts". Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
- Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved August 15, 2011.
External links
Contenders for the 1993 World Class Sailplane design competition | |
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Aircraft |