Aviastroitel AC-5M

The Aviastroitel AC-5M is a Russian mid-wing, single-seat, T-tailed motor glider and unmanned aerial vehicle that is produced by Aviastroitel, now Glider Air Craft.[1][2][3]

AC-5M
Role Motor glider and Unmanned aerial vehicle
National origin Russia
Manufacturer Aviastroitel
First flight December 1999
Status In production
Produced 2000-2003
Number built 35
Developed from Aviastroitel AC-4 Russia

Design and development

The AC-5M is derived from the motorized version of the Aviastroitel AC-4 Russia. Its design goals were to produce a simple and inexpensive self-launching sailplane. It had its first flight in December 1999 and production commenced in 2000 with a total of 35 completed.[1][2]

The AC-5M features a 12.6 m (41.3 ft) span wing that employs a Wortmann FX60-157 airfoil. The wings are mounted on the fuselage with a single cam-pin and the ailerons and air brakes hook-up automatically. Assembly can be accomplished by one person in five minutes. The engine is a 19 kW (25 hp) Zanzottera MZ-35R, which is a special narrow engine design developed specifically for retractable engine motor gliders. The engine retracts rearwards into a bay behind the cockpit and is closed by two doors for drag reduction. The propeller is a two bladed wooden design of 1.18 m (46 in) diameter. The landing gear is a retractable 310 mm (12.2 in) monowheel gear with a lever-actuated drum brake, but without suspension. The cockpit can accommodate pilots up to 190 cm (74.8 in) in height. The canopy provides 300° field of view and is jettisonable.[1][2][3]

In 2003 the aircraft sold for US$33,000.[1]

Operational history

In October 2011 there were 22 AC-5Ms registered with the US Federal Aviation Administration and one registered with Transport Canada. Because the aircraft was never type certified all American examples are in the Experimental - Racing/Exhibition category, while Canadian are in the Limited Category.[4][5]

Variants
AC-5Me
AC-5M
Single seat motor glider powered by a 19 kW (25 hp) Zanzottera MZ-35R two-stroke powerplant.[1][2]
AC-5MP
Unmanned aerial vehicle version powered by a 60 kW (80 hp) Rotax 912UL four stroke powerplant mounted on a fixed, non-retractable pylon. This version mounts equipment for satellite navigation, radio remote control, TV monitoring and autonomous operation and was intended to operate at altitudes from 400 to 8,000 m (1,312 to 26,247 ft).[2]
AC-5K
Version of the 5M, but with a fixed 32.3 kW (43 hp) Simonini Victor 1 engine and a retractable two-blade wooden propeller.[6]
AC-5Me
American developed prototype electric propulsion variant powered by a 25 kW (33.5 hp) Rotex RET-60, MGM-Compro HBC-280120-3EI controller and proprietary 4.4 kWh battery pack incorporating 448 Molicel P-26A cells.

Specifications (AC-5M)

Data from World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04 and company[1][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 5.3 m (17 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan: 12.6 m (41 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 7.7 m2 (83 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 20.5:1
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX60-157
  • Empty weight: 180 kg (397 lb)
  • Gross weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Zanzottera MZ-35R , 19 kW (25 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed retractable

Performance

  • Stall speed: 75 km/h (47 mph, 40 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 220 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)
  • g limits: +5.3/-2.65
  • Maximum glide ratio: 35:1 at 102 km/h (63 mph)
  • Rate of climb: 2.5 m/s (490 ft/min)
  • Rate of sink: 0.855 m/s (168.3 ft/min) at 95 km/h (59 mph)
  • Wing loading: 39 kg/m2 (8.0 lb/sq ft)

See also

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 54. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Aviastroitel (2006). "This Russian enterprise Aviastroitel". Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  3. Glider Air Craft (n.d.). "Motor glider AC-5M". Archived from the original on 22 October 2011. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
  4. Federal Aviation Administration (October 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  5. Transport Canada (October 2011). "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register". Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  6. Glider Air Craft (n.d.). "Single Motorglider AC-5K". Archived from the original on 22 October 2011. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
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