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A modern LSA triplane built using technology and engines from the ultralight industry, the Acrolite 1T is a strut braced, single place light sport triplane. Construction is of welded steel tube fuselage, riveted aluminum tube tail group, full sheeted box spar wing. The high aspect ratio of the wings allows an excellent rate of climb and a good glide ratio if the wing interference drag can be reduced, and give high roll rate from the short span wings. By utilizing a modern airfoil, narrow wing chord, lots of wing stagger and properly shaped wingtips the interference drag and the tip loss is reduced. The "quick build" wings use common wood working tools and full size patterns for all the fittings, controls, ribs, panels and bulkheads are supplied. The Triplane construction is identical to the 1B biplane except that on the prototype we used a fiberglas skin for the wings instead of plywood. This gave a much smoother surface to the wing than the plywood. The wings for the triplane are made with a wooden frame and covered with fiberglass or plywood. The remainder of the construction methods are the same as the biplanes. The aircraft accelerates and lifts off the ground very quickly and climbout is exceptional. With the ailerons on only the center wing the roll rate is still adequate. Compared to the biplanes aileron response is just a bit slow initially but once it starts moving it is quite good. It does not roll as fast as the biplanes but the turning radius is a lot smaller. The stall is more pronounced in the triplane and unlike the biplane that will fly itself out of a stall even with full back stick, the triplane requires proper stall recovery technique. In a 1000 ft climb out contest with the 80 hp biplane the triplane lagged only slightly behind. A full throttle, level flight, speed run showed 115 mph indicated at 6800 rpm. Visibility is very good, especially on approach and it feels easier to land than the biplanes because it does not seem to float as much at touchdown. Rudder authority is very good and it will make a flat turn. Flight testing was completed and the construction drawings and builders manual were completed and made available.
Engine: Rotax 582, 65 hp Reduction: 2.58 to 1 Propeller: 64 x 48 Airfoil: GA30U-211 Wingspan: 18 ft. x 3 Wing area: 111 sq.ft Aspect ratio: 20.8 to 1 Length: 15.5 ft Height: 6 ft Fuel capacity: 8 gal U.S. Wheel & tire size: 500 x 5 Empty weight: 450 lb Gross weight: 720 lb Span loading: 13.3.0 lb/ft Wing loading: 6.5 lb./sq.ft Power loading: 10.8 lb/bhp Power off stall speed: 44 mph Power on stall speed: 40 mph Landing speed: 55 mph Maneuvering speed: 76 mph Maximum level speed: 110 mph Never exceed speed: 130 mph Cruise speed: 93 mph Best glide speed: 65 mph Best rate of climb: 1085 fpm Best climb rate speed: 75 mph Range: 250 sm Take off distance: 500 ft Landing distance: 500 ft Cockpit width: 24 in Engine: Rotax 503, 50 hp Reduction: 2.58 to 1 Propeller: 62 x 43 Airfoil: GA30U-211 Wingspan: 18 ft. x 3 Wing area: 111 sq.ft Aspect ratio: 20.8 to 1 Length: 15.5 ft Height: 6 ft Fuel capacity: 8 gal U.S. Wheel & tire size: 500 x 5 Empty weight: 450 lb Gross weight: 720 lb Span loading: 13.3.0 lb/ft Wing loading: 6.5 lb./sq.ft Power loading: 14 lb/bhp Power off stall speed: 44 mph Power on stall speed: 40 mph Landing speed: 55 mph Maneuvering speed: 76 mph Maximum level speed: 100 mph Never exceed speed: 130 mph Cruise speed: 85 mph Best glide speed: 65 mph Best rate of climb: 744 fpm Best climb rate speed: 70 mph Range: 250 sm Take off distance: 550 ft Landing distance: 500 ft Engine: Rotax 582, 65 hp Reduction: 2.58 to 1 Propeller: 64 x 48 Airfoil: GA30U-211 Wingspan: 18 ft. x 3 Wing area: 111 sq.ft Aspect ratio: 20.8 to 1 Length: 15.5 ft Height: 6 ft Fuel capacity: 8 gal U.S. Wheel & tire size: 500 x 5 Empty weight: 450 lb Gross weight: 720 lb Span loading: 13.3.0 lb/ft Wing loading: 6.5 lb./sq.ft Power loading: 10.8 lb/bhp Power off stall speed: 44 mph Power on stall speed: 40 mph Landing speed: 55 mph Maneuvering speed: 76 mph Maximum level speed: 110 mph Never exceed speed: 130 mph Cruise speed: 93 mph Best glide speed: 65 mph Best rate of climb: 1085 fpm Best climb rate speed: 75 mph Range: 250 sm Take off distance: 500 ft Landing distance: 500 ft |
