RotorSport UK Calidus
| Calidus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Autogyro |
| National origin | Germany and United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | AutoGyro Gmbh and RotorSport UK |
| Introduction | 2009 |
| Developed from | AutoGyro 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]
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: 2
- 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 (112 mph; 97 kn)
- Cruising speed: 160 km/h (99 mph; 86 kn)
- Never exceed speed: 185 km/h (115 mph; 100 kn) Vne
- Range: 800 km (497 mi; 432 nmi)
See also
- Related lists
References
- ↑ "CAP 643 British Civil Airworthiness Requirements Section T Light Gyroplanes" (PDF). United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved 2011-07-25.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Type: RotorSport UK Calidus" (PDF). Gyroplane Type Approval Data Sheet (TADS). United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
- ↑ Duda, Holger; Insa Pruter (2012). "FLIGHT PERFORMANCE OF LIGHTWEIGHT GYROPLANES" (PDF). German Aerospace Center. p. 5. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
- ↑ "AutoGyro - Calidus". AutoGyro Gmbh Calidus page. AutoGyro Gmbh. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
- 1 2 3 4 "The Calidus". RotorSport UK Calidus page. RotorSport UK. Retrieved 2011-08-02.