| Lightning | |
|---|---|
 Vortex M912 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Autogyro |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Sport Copter |
| Status | In production |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1994 |
The Sport Copter Lightning is an American autogyro, designed and produced by Sport Copter of Scappoose, Oregon. The aircraft is supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2][3][4]
Design and development
[edit]The base model Lightning was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 252 lb (114 kg). It features a single main rotor, a single-seat open cockpit without a windshield, tricycle landing gear and a twin cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke, single-ignition 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration.[1][3][4]
The aircraft fuselage is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing. Its 23 ft (7.0 m) diameter rotor is supplied ready-made and constructed from bonded dural aluminum by the company's subsidiary Sport USA LLC. The landing gear includes telescopic spring suspension. A semi-enclosed cockpit fairing with windshield is optional.[1][3][4]
The basic Lightning design has been developed into the heavier Vortex.[3][4]
Reviewer Andre Cliche said of the Lightning: "In flight, the Lightning is forgiving and easy to maneuver, with light, geared-down controls. It is responsive but not tricky. It is a good choice for beginners."[1]
Variants
[edit]Specifications (Lightning)
[edit]Data from Cliche and KitPlanes[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)
- Height: 8 ft 0 in (2.44 m)
- Empty weight: 252 lb (114 kg)
- Gross weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke dual-ignition aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 23 ft 0 in (7.01 m)
- Main rotor area: 415 sq ft (38.6 m2)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kn)
- Cruise speed: 55 mph (89 km/h, 48 kn)
- Range: 100 mi (160 km, 87 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page F-4. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
- ^ a b c d Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 58. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- ^ a b c d e f Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 209. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b c d e f Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 187. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ "Vortex M912". Sport Copter. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
External links
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