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Air Creation GT

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(Redirected from Air Creation Clipper)
Air Creation GTE
Role Ultralight trike
National origin France
Manufacturer Air Creation
Status Production completed
Number built Over 2000[1]
Variants Air Creation Trek

The Air Creation GT and Clipper are a series of French two-seat flying wing ultralight trikes that was designed and produced by Air Creation.[2]

Design and development

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The GT series features a cable-braced hang glider-style high-wing, weight-shift controls, a tandem-seat, open cockpit, tricycle landing gear and a single engine in pusher configuration.[2]

The aircraft is made from bolted-together aluminium tubing, with its double-surface wing covered in Trilam sailcloth. Its 189 sq ft (17.6 m2) area wing is supported by a single tube-type kingpost and uses an "A" frame control bar. A variety of wings and engines has been fitted to the GT carriage, to form new variants.[2]

When equipped with a cockpit fairing, the aircraft is called the Clipper.[3]

The GT series can be fitted with the later-designed Air Creation NuviX wing.[1]

The GT was replaced in production by the Air Creation Skypper.[1]

Variants

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GT-BI
Version with XP-15 wing, center of gravity adjustable sliding keel, pneumatic suspension of all three landing gear wheels and a steerable nose wheel equipped with a drum brake. The engine is a Rotax 503 of 50 hp (37 kW)[2]
Kiss 400 GTE 582
Version with the Kiss 400 wing, rated for 400 kg (882 lb) and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW)[3]
Kiss 450 GTE 582
Version with the Kiss 450 wing, rated for 450 kg (992 lb) and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW)[3]
Mild GTE 582 Float
Version with the Mild wing and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW) and dual floats for water operations.[3]
XP-12 Buggy 582 SL
Version with the XP-12 wing and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW) and float for water operations.[2][3]
MILD-GTE 503 SL
Version with the MILD wing of 178 sq ft (16.5 m2) and Rotax 503 engine of 50 hp (37 kW)[4]
MILD-GTE 582
Version with the MILD wing of 178 sq ft (16.5 m2) and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW)[5]
XP-GTE 582 SL
Version with the XP wing and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW)[4]
XP-Buggy
Version with the XP wing and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW)[4]
iXess Clipper 582
Version with a fairing, the iXess wing and Rotax 582 engine of 64 hp (48 kW).[3]
XP-17 Clipper 912
Version with a fairing, the XP-17 wing and Rotax 912 four stroke engine of 80 hp (60 kW).[3]

Specifications (MILD-GTE 503 SL)

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Data from Kitplanes[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 2.4 m (8 ft)
  • Wingspan: 10 m (33 ft)
  • Height: 3.7 m (12 ft)
  • Wing area: 16.5 m2 (178 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 172 kg (379 lb)
  • Gross weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 15 U.S. gallons (57 L; 12 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 , 37 kW (50 hp)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 80 km/h (50 mph, 43 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 4,900 m (16,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 3.70 m/s (728 ft/min)

References

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  1. ^ a b c Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 200. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b c d e Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page C-3. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, pages 91-92. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  4. ^ a b c d Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, pages 44-45. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
  5. ^ Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 102. BAI Communications. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
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