Roberts Cygnet
American homebuilt glider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Roberts Cygnet is an American high-wing, cruciform tail, single-seat, glider that was designed and produced by Donald Roberts as a contender for the IGC World Class sailplane.[1]
| Cygnet | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | Donald Roberts |
| Status | Production completed |
| Number built | One |
| History | |
| First flight | 1992 |
Design and development
The Cygnet was the sole US entrant in the competition for the World Class sailplane, losing out to the Polish Politechnika Warszawska PW-5. As a result only one Cygnet was completed. The prototype was finished and first flown in 1992[1]
The aircraft is made from steel tubing and aluminium, with fiberglass fairings. Its 13 m (42.7 ft) span wing employs a Somers-Maughmer SM701 airfoil and features balanced top and bottom DFS-style air brakes for glidepath control. A ballistic parachute was to be standard equipment.[1][2]
Operational history
In August 2011 the sole Cygnet built was still listed on the US Federal Aviation Administration registry.[3]
Specifications (Cygnet)
Data from Sailplane Directory[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: One
- Wingspan: 42 ft 8 in (13 m)
- Wing area: 103 sq ft (9.6 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 18:1
- Airfoil: Somers-Maughmer SM701
- Empty weight: 364 lb (165 kg)
- Gross weight: 606 lb (275 kg)
Performance
- Wing loading: 5.88 lb/sq ft (28.7 kg/m2)
See also
Related lists