Roberts Cygnet

Cygnet
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer Donald Roberts
First flight 1992
Status Production completed
Number built One

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]

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

References

  1. ^ a b c d Activate Media (2006). "Cygnet Roberts". Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
  2. ^ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved August 1, 2011.
  3. ^ Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved August 15, 2011.