Avian Cheetah
| Cheetah | |
|---|---|
| Role | Hang glider |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Avian Limited |
| Designer | Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton |
| Status | In production |
| Unit cost |
£3574 (2003 price) |
| Developed from | Avian Java |
The Avian Cheetah is a British high-wing, single-place, competition hang glider, designed by Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton and produced by Avian Limited of Hope Valley, Derbyshire.[1][2]
Design and development
The Cheetah is a development of the Avian Java and is a "topless" design without a kingpost or top wire rigging, although it retains the lower flying wires.[1]
The current production Cheetah 150 model is made from aluminum and carbon fibre tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 10.4 m (34.1 ft) span wing has a nose angle of 130deg; and an aspect ratio of 7.5:1. The acceptable pilot hook-in weight is 80 to 110 kg (180 to 240 lb).[1]
The glider can be broken down to a 37 kg (82 lb) package, 4.6 m (15.1 ft) in length for ground transportation on a car top.[2]
Variants
- Cheetah 150
- Current production version. British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association certified.[1][2]
- Cheetah 160
- Version offered circa 2003 with 10.4 m (34.1 ft) span wing, with an area of 15 m2 (160 sq ft), a nose angle of 125° and an aspect ratio of 7.0:1.[1]
Specifications (Cheetah 150)
Data from Avian[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 10.4 m (34 ft 1 in) with tip fairings
- Wing area: 14.5 m2 (156 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 7.5:1
- Empty weight: 35 kg (77 lb) rigged ready for flight
- Gross weight: 145 kg (320 lb)
Performance
- Stall speed: 24 km/h (15 mph; 13 kn)
- Never exceed speed: 113 km/h (70 mph; 61 kn) in smooth air
- Maximum glide ratio: 15.3:1 (depending on the harness used)
- Rate of sink: 0.86 m/s (169 ft/min)