Sequoia Falco
| Sequoia Falco F8L | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 1993 Sequoia Falco F8L | |
| Role | Homebuilt aircraft |
| National origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | Sequoia Aircraft Company |
| Designer | Stelio Frati |
| First flight | 1955 |
| Number built | 90 (2011)[1] |
The Sequoia F.8L Falco is an Italian-designed lightweight 2-seater aerobatic aircraft.
Contents |
[edit] Design and development
The aircraft was designed by the renowned Italian designer Stelio Frati in 1955, and originally built in Italy by Aeromere (later Laverda) for sale.
The Falco is currently sold in kit or plans form for self-assembly by the Sequoia Aircraft Company of Richmond, Virginia. The aircraft is single-engined, propeller driven and designed for private and general aviation use.[1]
The design was adopted in the US in the 1980s and converted to kit form. The aircraft is widely considered to be one of the best handling, strongest, and most aesthetically pleasing designs ever made available to home builders. The makers call it "the Ferrari of the air", and like the car, it is very expensive compared with most homebuild kits.
Performance is good, with 175 knot average cruise speeds and 6g aerobatic capability
The Sequoia Falco F8L is constructed of spruce and typically Finnish birch plywood. The structure is built from spruce and the birch plywood is used for the skin. The plywood is often softened with hot steam, formed over the various structures and glued in place. The aircraft is rated at 6Gs positive and 3Gs negative.
[edit] Variants
- F.8L Series I - Initial production model powered by 101 kW (135 hp) Lycoming engine. Ten built by Aviamilano.[2]
- F.8L Series II - Improved model built by Aviamilano, with 112 kW (150 hp) engine.[2]
- F.8L America - Modified version of Series II built by Aeromere in conformance with US airworthiness requirements.[2]
- Super Falco Series IV - Similar to America, but with more powerful engine and constant spreed propeller. Built by Laverda.[2]
[edit] Specifications (Laverda Super Falco Series IV)
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1965-66 [3]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in)
- Wingspan: 8.0 m (26 ft 3 in)
- Height: 2.27 m (7 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 10.0 m² (107.5 sq ft)
- Airfoil: NACA 64213
- Aspect ratio: 6.4
- Empty weight: 550 kg (1,212 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 820 kg (1,808 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320-B3B air-cooled flat-four, 119 kW (160 hp)
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 385 km/h (209 knots, 240 mph)
- Maximum speed: 325 km/h (176 knots, 202 mph) at sea level
- Cruise speed: 250 km/h (135 knots, 155 mph) (econ. cruise)
- Stall speed: 98 km/h (53 knots, 61 mph) (30 degree flaps)
- Range: 1,400 km (757 nmi, 870 mi)
- Service ceiling: 6,000 m (19,700 ft)
- Rate of climb: 5.0 m/s (984 ft/min)
[edit] See also
- Aermacchi SF.260 (military trainer designed by Frati)
- PAC CT/4 (Pacific Aerospace Limited)
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Taylor, John W. R. (1965). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1965-66. London: Samson Low, Marston.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
[edit] External links
|
|||||
|
||||||||||||||
