"Eagle"
General Information.
As a source of this project I have taken Moscow trike created by the first hangglider champion of USSR, Russian ULM Federation instructor and safety inspector Andrei Karetkin.
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These trikes are being produced by some small Russian companies and ULM clubs. I flew these trikes and appreciated their relatuvely simple but well considered design. My experience as a trike designer and pilot, and my acquaintance with American trikes and materials allowed me to modify, improve this design and create "Eagle" project.
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This project has a lot of advantages comparatively with trikes existing in the North American market.
More strength Europeen-style triangle structure of the rear suspension comparatively with classical American trikes.
Folded mast makes the wing installation easier.
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Possibility to install shock-absorbers for all wheels that make takeoff and landing more comfortable and safe. Lower position of the pilots allows to get lower center of gravity that reduces possibility of overturn during ground operations. Even two heavy pilots could fly from unprepared fields.
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The compact layout provides excellent aerodynamics and keeps enough space that allows the installation of BRS, extra fuel, or luggage behind the pilot without aerodynamic penalties. Possibility to make and use it as a mono (legal FAR-103 ultralight) or two-seater (Light-Sport plane) layout, using different wings, powerplants, gas tanks, wheels etc., it is adjustable to all your wishes. Standard components from the US market (tubing 6061T6 and 7075T6, sheet metal, bolts and nuts), well thought-out design allows to modify, repair, or easy built it at home from plans or a kit, and also keep reasonable cost comparatively with European trikes. Excellent trike for beginners, low-and-slow flying fans, cross-county pilots and instructors.
Three different prototypes were built and tested before "Eagle" commertial production:
Soaring solo version with a light engine. Even a hangglider wing with appropriate pilot weight (or enforced) can be adapted for this trike.
Universal version with long seat base and shock-absorber wheel suspension can be made as a legal FAR-103 ultralight with cargo bag installation behind a pilot and any existed 2-stroke ultralight engine. The weight of my prototype (fork with suspension, wheel fairings, Rotax-503 with original belt redrive, 3-blade composite prop) is only 190lbs without a wing (80-90 lbs rolling shassis only). It can be easy converted (with passenger seat and belt installation) or built as a 2-seater (ultralight trainer, sport-plane, canadian basic 2-place ultralight).
Another 2-place version of this prike especially calculated and designed for GEO-Suzuki 1liter engine installation. Full wheel suspension, hydraulic brake, wheel fairings, big beautiful instrument pod with a lot of space for gauges, 12 galloon light fiberglass gas tank, reliable 4-stroke injection engine with low gas consumation, possibility to install big (up to 72") diameter prop and instuctor's steering, and still very attractive price - main features of this trike. I didn't test but really enjoyed high performances and easy handling of this machine with my favourite X-14 wing.
I displayed Eagle at different aviation show in the US and Canada, flew them solo and with students, worked to make them more attractive visually, sold a lot of plans, some kits and trikes. Now I can sertanly say: trike pilots like its excellent performances and handling; my clients like its reasonable price; plans and kit buyers appreciate its plans' and parts' quality, homebuilder-friendly design. Click HERE if you want to see the picture of one nice Eagle made in Italy from my plans. Look at more detailed pictures of different Eagle trikes from Air Trikes below.
This Eagle with wide tires and 1300CC Suzuki engine is made and tested spring 2005 The trike is easy in flight, landings are extremely soft, the chassis and my favourite X-14 wing easy handle some additional weight. Even more performanced setup. Available for your order now.
I use Eagles not only as "fun fly" and "school" trikes but also as "test platforms" for different engines. Trike with X-14 and G10 Turbo was tested Summer 2006. Engine – standard Turbo 1L (Canadian), not modified. MPFI with computer control system. No intercooler. All “modifications” I did – drilled ¼” hole in the intake collector to lower max boost. SPG-2 conversion system with 2.5 RR. 69” KOOLprop. I decided not using all available power so overpitched the prop +4 degrees together with boost decreasing.
Now about flying performances I got. I can feel the difference from the first second of giving full throttle. Takeoff is very short, climbing with extremely high angle.
I could see only my feet and sky, I felt - a little more and I would perform a loop. Some numbers:
Cruise RPM 3300-3400 (boost about 3.5 psi) cruise level speed about 55mph
“Normal” climbing RPM 4300-4500 (boost about 7 psi) about 800FPM
“HOT” climbing RPM 5000-5200 (boost about 10 psi) up to 1500FPM
This engine is the best from Suzuki family regarding power/weight ratio. I didn’t do static thrust test but I think I have something between 450 and 500 LBS, the power is around 85HP.
Its extremely low cruise RPM makes this engine even more reliable and fuel efficient. I also expect higher TBO than a standard naturally aspirated G10.
This 3-seater Eagle was built in 2005 in Mumbai, India from plans. X-17 wing and 1.3L Suzuki engine with D-prop were used
for this project. This trike was successfully tested at National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla. In 2006 they bought some SPG-2 conversion systems for Suzuki, propellers and wings to make more trikes.
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For additional information and order E-mail: info@airtrikes.net
Address: Air Trikes Enterprises
6043 Clark st. Pierrefonds PQ Canada, H8Z 2G3
Phone:(514) 685-2856
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