The first production Cobra, C-001, flew 46,000 km around the world in the Millennium Microlight Adventure, which proved as an extensive test flight and debugging exercise. Several advances and developments were made to the Cobra following information provided about the performance, comfort and other factors of the Cobra during its rough operations and incredibly long flights of this expedition.
The Cobra was offered with fairing of without (the ‘Naked Cobra’).
Aircraft-grade 4130 chromoly steel and aluminium construction for operation on rough terrain and large diameter aluminium are used. Steel and ali are treated for corrosion protection. All junction points on the Cobra are rubber-bushed to increase the lifespan and ruggedness of the trike.
The Cobra is equipped with a folding ‘click-up’ pylon for easy rigging and de-rigging allowing one person to lift the wing and click the pylon into place and bolt. No removing of the fuel tank and seats is involved. Independant seats have full composite backreasts and padding.
A 3/4 nose and pylon fairings encloses all peripherals such as the ballistic parachute. The 55 litre (14 US gal) fuel tank has side access for refuelling with the optional 76 litre (20 US gal) fuel tank (not fitted on the standard 503 model) endurance can be 7 hours and 700 kms depending on engine and other factors.
The Rotax 912 or 912S 4-stroke motors can be fitted to the Cobra with a radiator scoop with adjustable flap (includes full rear underbelly fairing) allowing the radiator to be out of sight. The adjustable intake flap allows the pilot to manually control the airflow onto the radiator to maintain engine temperatures as well as preventing stone and sand damage to the radiator while maneouvring on the ground. (This feature is an option and is only available when the 582, 912 or 912S engine options are selected).
An integral landing light option for after dark taxiing is available.
Equipped with front wheel telescopic suspension through non-degrading poly-urethane with large diameter mecahnical drum brake, mudflap, parking brake, and the front fork pivots on two heavy-duty ball bearings that make steering easier.
Rear wheel suspension is through telescopic poly-urethane shocks though rear nosewheel steering not available on the Cobra.
Standard configuration includes a Rainbow Aircraft Spirit 15 New Generation Dual Surface Wing, Rotax 503 DCDI Engine with Dual Ignition and Twin Carbs (52 HP), and “B” Series Gearbox (reduction 2,58:1). The Aerotrike Cobra is certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to be fit and safe for general ultralight use.
For $1,250 (2009) less than the price of the standard Cobra, the ‘Naked’ Cobra offers open flying. Still retaining the pylon fairing, large wheel spats and composite seating arrangement, the Naked Cobra removes the front fairing and replaces it with a banana pod. This trike can still be fitted with the Rotax 912 engine (and 912S), or the 2-stroke Rotax 503 or 582 engines.
Cobra
Engine: Rotax 582, ‘C’ Gearbox
MTOW: 450 kg / 990 lb
Design Loads: +6g -3g
Typical Useful Load: 247 kg / 543 lb
Empty Weight (trike and engine): 153 kg / 337 lb
Cobra
Engine: Rotax 912
MTOW: 450 kg / 990 lb
Design Loads: +6g -3g
Typical Useful Load: 214 kg / 470 lb
Empty Weight (trike and engine): 186 kg / 409 lb
