Airframes Unlimited T-103
| T103 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Powered parachute |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Airframes Unlimited |
| Status | In production |
| Unit cost |
US$30 (plans only, 2012) |
The Airframes Unlimited T-103 is an American powered parachute designed and produced by Airframes Unlimited of Athens, Texas.[1][2]
The aircraft was originally offered as plans only by Powered Parachute Plans, also of Athens, Texas. When parts for complete aircraft were made available these were supplied by Airframes Unlimited and gradually the two enterprises were unified under the latter name.[1][2]
Design and development
The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The manufacturer says "The T-103 can be built to be part 103 compliant without any trouble." It features a parachute-style high-wing, two-seats-in-tandem, tricycle landing gear and accepts a wide variety of two stroke and four stroke engines mounted in pusher configuration.[1][3]
The aircraft is built from welded 4130 steel tubing, with a 6061-T6 aluminum engine mount plate. In flight steering is accomplished via levers that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension. The design uses an overhead adjustable canopy hang point, called a "cg spreader bar" to establish the correct canopy attachment point and hence the aircraft's flight attitude and torque offset.[1]
The aircraft was originally supplied only in the form of illustrated plans provided on a CD-ROM in Microsoft Word .doc format. Later parts and sub-assemblies were made available and then complete carriages, less canopy, propeller and engine.[1][3]
Specifications (T103)
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-19. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
- 1 2 Chalmers, Buzz (n.d.). "Powered Parachute Ultralights for the Budget-Minded". Light Sport and Ultralight Flying Magazine. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
- 1 2 Airframes Unlimited (1 March 2012). "Plans". Retrieved 25 March 2012.
External links
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