RotorSport UK Calidus

The RotorSport Calidus is a German tandem two-seater autogyro modified in the UK to meet British Civil Airworthiness Requirements CAP643 Section T.[1][2] The Calidus is an enclosed-cockpit development of the open-cockpit RotorSport UK MT-03. New-build AutoGyro Calidus aircraft are imported from the manufacturers, AutoGyro GmbH in Hildeshem, Germany and completed to British regulations by RotorSport UK Ltd.[2]

Calidus
Role Autogyro
National origin Germany and United Kingdom
Manufacturer AutoGyro Gmbh and RotorSport UK
Introduction 2009
Developed from AutoGyro Calidus

Design and development

The Calidus is powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912 ULS, although optionally a 115 hp (86 kW) Rotax 914 UL Turbo can be fitted. Fuel capacity is either 39 litres in a single tank or 74 litres in two tanks.[2] The Calidus has an aerodynamic fuselage pod, giving 20 knots higher maximum speed than the MT-03.[3][4] While the open-cockpit MT-03 (which continues in production) is promoted as a "motorbike in the skies", the Calidus is aimed at a different market. The Calidus' fully enclosed cockpit protects the occupants from exposure to inclement weather, while the aircraft's higher cruise speed makes it more suitable for long-distance touring.

The panel can be equipped with conventional instruments and/or a "glass panel" according to certification requirements and the buyer's needs. For the UK RotorSport version, either a fixed-pitch propeller or a ground-adjustable propeller may be fitted;[2][5] but in Germany the unmodified AutoGyro Calidus has either a ground-adjustable propeller or an inflight-adjustable controllable-pitch propeller.[2][5]

The Calidus has a take off distance of 10 to 70 metres and lands in 15 metres, or can land vertically in some circumstances.[5] Flying speeds range from 20 mph (32 km/h) to 120 mph (193 km/h);.[5] An optional heater makes cold-weather flying feasible; but although navigation lights may be fitted, night flying is not permitted. The payload is 230 kg for versions with the Rotax 912,[2] so even with a full fuel load of 54 kg, two crew of up to 88 kg each can be accommodated.

Specifications (Rotax 912 variant)

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in)
  • Width: 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in)
  • Height: 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in)
  • Empty weight: 270 kg (595 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 500 kg (1,102 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912 ULS four-stroke piston engine, 75 kW (100 hp)
  • Main rotor diameter: 8.4 m (27 ft 7 in)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed IVO ground-adjustable, composite, 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) diameter

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 180 km/h (110 mph, 97 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 160 km/h (99 mph, 86 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 185 km/h (115 mph, 100 kn) Vne
  • Range: 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi)

See also

Related lists

References
  1. "CAP 643 British Civil Airworthiness Requirements Section T Light Gyroplanes" (PDF). United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  2. "Type: RotorSport UK Calidus" (PDF). Gyroplane Type Approval Data Sheet (TADS). United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  3. Duda, Holger; Insa Pruter (2012). "Flight Performance of Lightweight Gyroplanes" (PDF). German Aerospace Center. p. 5. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  4. "AutoGyro - Calidus". AutoGyro Gmbh Calidus page. AutoGyro Gmbh. Archived from the original on 28 July 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  5. "The Calidus". RotorSport UK Calidus page. RotorSport UK. Archived from the original on 24 August 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
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