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Welcome to my Arrio Flyer page

The Concept:

The idea of building this Ultralight started several years ago. The general planform hasn't changed much. It is still a trike gear, shoulder/high wing, pusher aircraft. What has changed over the years, are the details of the design. I've seen and studied innumerable styles of homebuilt aircraft, fixed wing and rotorcraft. Many of the designs had features that I liked and were also common to other similar aircraft as well.. Some I did not find in the fixed wing designs, but in the rotorcraft airframes instead. I may not be really breaking any new ground in aviation, but I haven't seen a design like mine before. If I did, then I would rather build that one, instead of reinventing the wheel.

 

I started drawing my design on my Cad program some 5 years ago. Maintaining the basic design and continuously adding or updating the construction details. The design has gone through numerous revisions, each one making it better and simpler. The target weight for the Flyer is under 240 lbs with a R447.

 

I feel, that the most important design feature is simplicity. The aircraft should have bolt together construction, similar to a Bensen style Gyrocopter, and not require tools that could not be found at your local hardware/tool store. The Arrio Flyer fuselage meets that criteria. The wing could be constructed of aluminum as well, using Aluminum tubing for spar and rib material. It would be the most preferred method. Another method for wing construction that is both inexpensive and simple, and strong too, is wood and foam. At this time, I am undecided as to which method of wing construction I will be using. I need to research more of the aluminum wing construction methods. There are essentially four different aluminum wing construction methods/designs that I am aware of for light aircraft such as ultralights. From the very simple Quicksilver MX style to the complex Kolb design. Each one more complex/challenging and expensive than the last. My goal is for basic tools, simple construction. So far, the foam and wood method shows the most promise. Yes. I have considered a TEAM or FISHER wing kit, but I am trying to stay away from the all wood wings. I anticipate starting construction this spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an undetailed drawing of my Arrio Flyer. Some components are not illusrated, such as the flight controls, landing gear and tail boom supports, wing struts, seat or fuel tank. The standing figure is 72 inches tall.

Arrio Flyer Specifications:

• Description ............................Ultralight, Single place, Pusher
• Wing ......................................Modified Clark Y
• Span .......................................28 ft.
• Cord........................................54 in. (constant)
• Area ......................................126.sq. ft.
• Ailerons .....................................9 sq. ft. total
• Stabilator/Elevator.....................14 sq. ft. (all flying)
• Rudder......................................10.5 sq. ft.
• Overall Length .........................16.4 ft.
• Landing Gear Width ...................7 ft (with suspension)
• Empty Weight (planned)..........240 lbs.
• Gross Weight .........................550 lbs.
• Useful Load ...........................260 lbs.
• Power ..................Rotax 447, or comparable.
• Prop Diameter ..........................66 in.
• Fuel Capacity.............................5 gal.
• .

Ultralight Links:

Affordaplane ............A pictorial narration of the construction of a new design, low cost ultralight. Great site.

 

Southern VA Ultralight Flyers....The SVUF homepage. Online newsletter, events and classifieds. Great club page.

 

B2 Aircraft Engines........ Conversion kit for Geo/Suzuki 3cyl engine. Nice site and product. Worth looking at.

 

Eric Ulmer's Aircraft Engine Directory........Ultra excellent and comprehensive list and links to engines and conversions.