American glider
The Advanced Aeromarine Sierra was an American high-wing, strut-braced, single-seat, glider that was designed and produced by Advanced Aeromarine, as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2]
Design and development
The Sierra was intended as a lightweight and affordable glider with modest performance that could be launched by ultralight aircraft aerotow, auto-tow, winch-launch or bungee launch. It first flew in March 1991.[1][2]
The aircraft was made from aluminium tube, fabric and composites. Its 42.65 ft (13.0 m) span wing was supported by a lift strut and jury struts. The glide ratio was 25:1 and had a landing roll of 150 ft (46 m). The landing gear was tandem wheels, plus a tail caster. The completion time from the factory kit was rated as 150 hours.[1][2]
Although very light, with a standard empty weight of 205 lb (93 kg), the Sierra did not qualify under the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations as a hang glider, neither was it foot-launchable. Only one prototype had been reported as completed by December 1998.[1][2]
Operational history
In September 2011 there were no Sierras registered with the US Federal Aviation Administration and it is likely that none exist anymore.[3]
Variants
- Sierra LS
- Main production version[1]
Specifications (Sierra LS)
Data from Purdy and KitPlanes[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 21 ft 0 in (6.40 m)
- Wingspan: 42 ft 7.8 in (13.000 m)
- Wing area: 142 sq ft (13.2 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 13:1
- Empty weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
- Gross weight: 455 lb (206 kg)
Performance
- Stall speed: 27 mph (43 km/h, 23 kn)
- Maximum glide ratio: 25:1 at 40 mph (64 km/h)
- Wing loading: 3.2 lb/sq ft (16 kg/m2)
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
