Newsletter- November 2017
Last
week we carried out the first ever UK flight of a Snake nanolight trike
as a flight test to confirm the suitability of the Aeros Fox13T wing.
I’m pleased (and I have to admit a little surprised!) to report that the geometry of the Fox13T was an absolutely perfect match for the Snake. I’ve flown plenty of single-make flexwings that have spent months in testing and failed to achieve so good a result.
The
very gentle mush stall is achieved precisely as the bar touches the
front strut, leaving plenty of rearward bar movement for high speed
flight. All the controls are light, but stable, and I was able to
reverse a 30° bank in a touch under 1.5 seconds. I was flying without
instruments, but I would estimate a stall speed in the region of 20mph
and hands-off cruise somewhere closer to 30mph.
The single-surface design promises a low sink rate and Flylight (the UK Aeros importers) claim a glide ratio approaching 10:1, although that figure drops significantly when flown at higher airspeeds. This would make the Fox the ideal choice where short-field operation is a priority.
Despite
being a kingposted wing the Fox13T retains the ability to be folded
whilst on the trike, although I suspect most pilots will simply detach
the wing for derigging. This remains a very simple process taking
seconds to achieve as (unlike some nanolights) the basebar of the wing
comfortably clears the nosewheel, allowing the bar to sit flat on the
ground.
The Fox13T retails at €3600 with a £150 shipping charge (both +VAT). It’s available in a full range of Dacron colours, or with the optional ODL6 Technora covering (as shown in the pictures) as a €430 option. The wing weighs only 25.5kg, allowing the greatest flexibility of engine options or fuel capacity for sub-70kg operation. Lead time is generally 6-8 weeks.
The
flight test was carried out using the Cisco C-Max 175 engine, which
provides more than ample power. Cisco claim 27Hp, and with a 5-10knot
headwind I’d estimate the total ground roll for takeoff was in the
region of 25 metres.
I’ve conducted flight tests with both a Helix carbon-fibre propeller and a wooden prop provided by Cisco. Early tests indicate the wooden prop appears to produce slightly more thrust and a nicer sound, although the carbon prop should prove more hard-wearing. Prices for the Cisco wooden prop will be on the website following confirmation, but promise to be even lower than the Helix.
Even without removing the prop the folded Snake still comfortably took less than half the boot of my car.
I also have some news for those hungry for more information on the Minifox fixed-wing microlight. Pilot magazine have recently carried out a flight test of the aircraft; look out for the review in an upcoming issue!
Our demonstrator Minifox and Snake aircraft remain available; please call me if you’d like to arrange an appointment.
Kind Regards,
Dave Broom.–
Phone: +44(0)7773 253454
Web: www.airplayaircraft.co.uk
