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Aero-Works Aerolite 103
The Aero-Works Aerolite 103 is an American single seat, high-wing, pusher configuration ultralight aircraft, designed by Terry Raber and introduced by Aero-Works, Inc, of Millersburg, Ohio, in 1997. The aircraft's model number indicates that it was designed to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration FAR 103 ultralight rules.[1][4][5][6][7] Production of the aircraft ended in 2005 when the manufacturer went out of business.[2] The rights to the design were purchased by its original designer, the aircraft updated with an updated aluminum fuel tank and put back into production in 2013 by U-Fly-It Light Sport Aircraft, LLC of DeLand, Florida.[8][9] DevelopmentThe aircraft was designed to meet the requirements of FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles, including maximum 254 lb (115 kg) empty weight.[4][6][9] The builder-achieved empty weights vary from 252 lb (114 kg) to 300 lb (136 kg), with 275 lb (125 kg) being typical.[10] To remain under the FAR 103 empty weight requires the use of a light-weight engine, such as the 35 hp (26 kW) 2si 460-F35 or the 28 hp (21 kW) Hirth F-33.[3][7][9] Design The Aerolite 103 features a high wing with half-span flaps that are extended by use of an overhead bellcrank to a maximum of 40 degrees. The flight controls are three-axis and are actuated by a wheel mounted on a control column via flexible push-pull cables and conventional rudder pedals connected to the rudder by cables. The engine throttle is a twist-grip type and incorporates a brake lever to operate the non-differential mechanical drum brakes installed on the main wheels of the tricycle landing gear.[4][6][9] The aircraft has conventional nose wheel steering connected to the rudder pedals. The main landing gear utilizes sprung-tubes for suspension and absorbing landing loads. There is a fourth small caster-wheel under the tail, because when the pilot's seat is unoccupied the aircraft rests on its tail, due to the aircraft's empty center of gravity.[4] The Aerolite 103 is sold as an assembly kit aircraft. The kit includes an illustrated assembly manual and pre-built fuselage, wings, control surfaces, jury struts and struts. The wings are covered by the builder with pre-sewn Dacron envelopes. The company estimates the time to complete the airframe at 60–80 hours. The kit does not include powerplant, propeller or instruments.[11] When the aircraft was first introduced the standard engine was the 35 hp (26 kW) 2si 460-F35, with the 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 optional.[4] In 2009 the standard recommended engine was the Rotax 447, with the 46 hp (34 kW) Rotax 503 single carburettor engine optional.[6][12] In 2021 an electric aircraft option was added as the manufacturer offered a complete electric drivetrain and up to four batteries as an alternative to gasoline powerplants.[13] Aerobatics and spins are prohibited.[10] Operational historySince its introduction the Aerolite 103 has won many awards, including:[5]
In December 2004 the company reported that 150 aircraft were flying, the majority as unregistered US ultralights. In July 2009 there were 12 Aerolite 103s registered as experimental amateur-builts in the USA.[3][14] AccidentsOn 15 September 2019, former NASCAR driver Mike Stefanik was killed in the crash of an Aerolite 103 at Riconn Airport near Greene, Rhode Island.[15] Specifications (Aerolite 103 with Rotax 447)Data from Aerolite 103 website[10] & KitPlanes[1] General characteristics
Performance
See alsoAircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aero-Works Aerolite 103. |
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