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Glidersport LightHawk

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LightHawk
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Glidersport
First flight 2002
Status undergoing certification

The Glidersport LightHawk is an American mid-wing, T-tailed, single-seat, microlift glider under development by Glidersport.[1]

Design and development

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The LightHawk is made from composites. Its 15 m (49.2 ft) span wing employs a large wing area of 12 m2 (130 sq ft) to produce a low wing loading to allow the aircraft to make use of small and light sources of lift. The construction gives a very low empty weight of just 68 kg (150 lb).[1]

The aircraft first flew in 2002 and certification was initially forecast for 2011,[1] and then for late 2012, but had not been completed as of December 2015.[2]

Specifications (LightHawk)

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Data from Bayerl[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 12 m2 (130 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 68 kg (150 lb)
  • Gross weight: 170 kg (375 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 35:1
  • Rate of sink: 0.36 m/s (71 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 14.17 kg/m2 (2.90 lb/sq ft)

See also

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Related lists

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 135. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ Glidersport (28 July 2009). "Welcome to the Home of the LightHawk". Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
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