Aero AT-3

AT-3

Role	Utility aircraft
National origin	Poland
Manufacturer	Aero Ltd
Designer	Tomasz Antoniewski
First flight	1997
Introduction	2002
Status	In production
Developed from	Pottier P.220S Koala

The Aero AT-3 is a two-seat, low wing, utility aircraft manufactured in Poland in ready-to-fly certificated form and as a kitplane. The aircraft is of conventional configuration and features fixed tricycle undercarriage. The structure is largely of all-metal construction.^[1] Designed by Tomasz Antoniewski it first flew in 1997 and deliveries to customers commenced in 2002. It is certified under European Very Light Aircraft regulation. Since July 2, 2010 Aero AT-3 holds FAA type certificate #A61CE in the United States of America.

Design and development

The AT-3 R-100 is a single-engined low-wing cantilever monoplane of all-metal construction and a fixed tricycle landing gear. It is powered by a nose-mounted Bombardier-Rotax 912 with either a two-bladed wooden or three-bladed composite propeller.^[1]

Operational history

The first Aero AT-3s were supplied to the Aeroclub of Warsaw in Poland in the early 2000s. The first sales outside Poland were to the UK in 2004 (a total of 16 AT-3s have since been sold to the UK). The aircraft has also proved popular in France with a similar number of sales. Further examples operate in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Spain. As of early 2014, approx 70 Aero AT-3 aircraft have been delivered to customers in Europe, North Africa and Asia. Over 20 LSA variants (AT-4) have been supplied to the North American market. The aircraft are primarily used by flight training organisations with a smaller number of private owners. Variants with glass cockpits and certified for Night VFR have also been delivered in recent years.

Aero AT-3 R100 at Cotswold Airport, Gloucestershire, England. (2010).

Takeover by Jiangsu LanTian Aerospace Industrial Park of China

In April 2013, the manufacturer of the AT-3 VLA and AT-4 LSA aircraft, Aero AT Sp. z o.o. was acquired by Jiangsu LanTian Aerospace Industrial Park of China. While production for the European and US markets is to remain in Mielec, Poland, a new assembly facility is being developed in China for the local Chinese Market. As of early 2014 plans are in place to produce in excess of 100 aircraft for Chinese customers by the end of 2015.

Variants

AT-3 SK: Standard Kit, homebuilt variant.

AT-3 R100: Factory-built variant to JAR-VLA standards.

Specifications (AT-3)

Data from Official website

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Capacity: 1 passenger
Length: 6.25 m (20 ft 6 in)
Wingspan: 7.55 m (24 ft 9 in)
Height: 2.23 m (7 ft 4 in)
Wing area: 9.3 m² (100.6 sq ft)
Empty weight: 350 kg (771 lb)
Useful load: 232 kg (511 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 582 kg (1,282 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912S Elprop 3-1-1P, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

Never exceed speed: 236 km/h (127 kn)
Maximum speed: 220 km/h (119 kn)
Cruise speed: 200 km/h (108 kn)
Stall speed: 82 km/h (44 kn)
Range: 717 km (387 nmi)
Service ceiling: 4000 m (13,123 ft)
Wing loading: +3.8g -1.5 g ()
Power/mass: 5.82kg/hp (12.82 lb/hp)
Take-off distance: 145 m (476 ft)
Landing distance: 200 m (656 ft)

References

1 2 Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 154. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X

External links

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