Rotortec Cloud Dancer Light

Cloud Dancer Light
Role Autogyro
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Rotortec
Status In production (2013)
Developed from Rotortec Cloud Dancer I

The Rotortec Cloud Dancer Light is a German autogyro, designed and produced by Rotortec of Görisried, Allgäu. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1]

Design and development

Based on the enclosed cockpit Rotortec Cloud Dancer I, the Cloud Dancer Light was designed as a lower cost model for the German 120 kg ultralight class. It features a single two-bladed rotor, a single-seat open cockpit without a windshield, tricycle landing gear with wheel pants and a twin cylinder, liquid-cooled 70 hp (52 kW) Hirth 3503 two stroke engine mounted in pusher configuration.[1]

The aircraft fuselage frame is made from aluminum, while the tail is Kevlar composites. Its 7.10 m (23.3 ft) diameter rotor has a chord of 17.5 cm (6.9 in). The instrument panel is mounted in a simple pod. The aircraft has an empty weight of 120 kg (265 lb) and a gross weight of 300 kg (661 lb), giving a useful load of 180 kg (397 lb).[1]

Specifications (Cloud Dancer Light)

Data from Bayerl[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Empty weight: 120 kg (265 lb)
  • Gross weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 25 litres (5.5 imp gal; 6.6 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Hirth 3503 two stroke liquid-cooled aircraft engine, 52 kW (70 hp)
  • Main rotor diameter: 7.10 m (23 ft 4 in)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed composite Helix-Carbon propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 155 km/h (96 mph, 84 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 120 km/h (75 mph, 65 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 5 m/s (980 ft/min)

References

  1. ^ a b c d Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 186. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X