The “Sunbird” SSDR Microlight

The Sunbird is an all composite low wing semi sporty SSDR designed with safety as a priority. The main design criteria for this aircraft was good all-round attributes, excellent low speed characteristics for short runways yet with great touring capability. Even though it was not our intention to design a hot-ship, the performance should not disappoint. We think we have struck the right balance.

The wide cockpit is exceptional and provides space and comfort. The wings can either be rotated and folded back (optional extra), or completely removed for stowage. The stabilizer is also removable. Completed aircraft will be fitted with the rotary 4 stroke Aixro XF40, and analogue instruments as standard. It comes with a 2d curved canopy.

 See photos here.

Design Specifications

The Sunbird has a great payload due to its lightweight composite construction (see below). The design MAUW is currently 250kg. 

It has a 25 litre nosetank together with two 14 litre wing  tanks. There is under-seat stowage amounting to 20 litres volume /10kg in weight.

The controls are all pushrod with the exception of the rudder, and the nosewheel is also steerable.

Wing Span: 6.4m. Wing Area: 7.75sqm Length: 4.75m. Cockpit Width: 0.62m. Empty weight (excluding engine): under 90kg! Weight with Aixro XF40 engine, 116kg (payload 134 kg). Weight with Hirth F23, around 122kg (payload 128kg).

Design Stress:- +4g/-2g Limit loads (+6g/-3g Ultimate)

Performance

Stall Speed (flaps):- under 35 knots. Climb rate (35hp): 600 to 1000 fpm @ MAUW, depending on propellor. Great slow speed handling with its benign wing, and excellent short runway handling characteristics.

Recommended approach speed: 42 to 50 knots with full flaps. Flap limiting speed 68 knots

Minimum takeoff speed: 44 knots, with 15 degree flaps.

Cruise Speed (35hp):- 100 mph. Max Speed (35hp): 115 mph. (Depends on chosen prop)

Speed in Gusts: 91mph. Design Vne: 129mph (To be confirmed)

Potential Endurance /Range (4 Stroke): Up to 7 hours / 700 miles.

Potential engines and props (25kg to 45kg approx): -

Note: Prop sizes up to 60 inch. Props for Aixro: E-mail us.

4 Strokes:- Aixro XF40 rotary (our preferred standard engine). This engine, which is installed in the prototype, is water cooled. We have fitted two radiators either side of the engine (optional small cockpit radiator as extra). The engine comes with a 2.5 to 1 belt reduction unit as standard and develops 35hp at 6500prm (limited to max 7000rpm). There is an option for a 3.0 to 1 belt drive. Lubrication is by 2 stoke oil mix in unleaded fuel at 50 to 1. Fuel burn is expected at 6 to 8 litres/ hour.

Other possibles; Hirth F23, Briggs 4 stroke variants and various others.

We are looking at potential electric engines. The narrow nose would suit future electric powered versions. We continue to wait on product development.

[Introduction] ["Sunbird" SSDR] [Sunbird Photos] ["Safari" SSDR] [Gallery] [Contact Us] [Links]

 All rights reserved.