Flight Design CT
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009) |
| Flight Design CT | |
|---|---|
| |
| CTSW | |
| Role | Microlight/Ultralight |
| Manufacturer | Flight Design |
| Designer | Matthias Betsch |
| First flight | March 1996 |
| Introduction | 1997 |
| Status | In production |
| Produced | 1997-present |
| Number built | 900+ |
The Flight Design CT is a family of high-wing, tricycle undercarriage, two seat ultralight and light-sport aircraft produced by Flight Design (Flightdesign Vertrieb) of Germany. The family includes the original CT and the CT2K, CTSW, CTLS and the new MC models.[1]
Design & Development
The aircraft are of composite construction, with carbon fiber being the primary material. This results in a very aerodynamic shape to the fuselage and very high useful loads (almost equal to the weight of the aircraft itself). The CTSW is so efficient that it needs to have the pitch of the propeller reduced significantly to stay within the 120-knot (222 km/h) maximum speed of the American Light-sport Aircraft (LSA) rules; in other countries, the CTSW has a higher cruising speed. In addition, the amount of negative (reflex) flaps is limited to -6 degrees in the US version; in other countries the flaps retract to -12 degrees in cruise, adding even more speed.[1]
The CTSW is reported to be more challenging to fly than other LSA, owing to the higher wing loading and low drag; the low drag increases top speed, but requires additional planning in the descent and careful attention to speed and energy in roundout and flair. The control forces are light and, like most LSA, rudder coordination is necessary, owing to the close coupling of the tailplane. Flight Design increased the size of the tailplane and control surfaces for the 2006 model year, giving improved directional control at lower speeds and reducing the amount of rudder necessary for coordinated turns.[citation needed]
Although the standard and required equipment varies by country, the CTSW is available with a Ballistic Recovery Systems parachute for the airframe. The BRS can be used to lower the entire aircraft to the ground in a controlled descent in the event of major structural failure, incapacitation of the pilot, or engine failure over mountainous terrain.[citation needed]
Regulatory categories
The aircraft can be flown under the microlight/ultralight regulations of several countries as well as the USA FAA Light-sport Aircraft rules, Canadian advanced ultralight[1] and the European EASA Permit to Fly rules. Both aircraft are high-wing designs using a 100 hp (70 kW) Rotax 912S engine in a tractor configuration (the 80 hp (60 kW) 912 is sometimes used outside of the US).[citation needed]
In December 2009 the CTLS was granted a type design approval and a production certificate by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.[2]
Operational history
As of December 2009, there were more than 304 CTs registered in the USA and 1,400 World Wide.[citation needed]
One example was used by the Indian Air Force in a round-the-world expedition[3]. Wing Commander Rahul Monga started off on 1 June 2007 and finished the circumnavigation flight on 19 August 2007. The total flight time logged was 247 hours[4].
In 2010 the Air Volunteer Fire Department in Bomberos de Cuenca, Ecuador took delivery of a CTSW for use as an air support unit for fire fighting reconnaissance. The aircraft is based at Mariscal La Mar airport, 8,300 feet above sea level.[5]
Variants
- CT
- Composite Technology - original model
- CT2K
- Improved second generation model to comply with UK microlight regulations, BCAR Section S
- CTSW
- Short Wing version of the CT2K with a shorter wingspan and redesigned wingtips, giving higher cruise speeds while maintaining similar stall speeds.[citation needed]
- CTLS
- Long span version, announced in 2008. It improves on the CTSW in several areas, including a revised fuel system (improved fuel venting and standard-type fuel caps), a revised tailplane and upgraded landing gear as well as aerodynamic improvements.[6]
- MC
- Metal concept is a CT-LS fabricated predominantly from aluminium and intended for the flight training market. Introduced in July 2008, the MC has a lower cockpit sill for easier entry, is 5-7 knots slower that the LS, has 50 lb (23 kg) more useful load and 500 mi (805 km) more range.[7]
- CTLS-Lite
- CTLS with reduced features, lower empty weight and price US$20,000 lower. Introduced at Sun 'n Fun 2010.[8]
- CTHL
- High Lift variant for glider towing and floatplane use, announced at Sun 'n Fun 2010. It will be equipped with a turbocharged 115 hp (86 kW) Rotax 914 powerplant, a 12% greater wing area, a larger stabilator and a full-aircraft parachute all as standard equipment. The price is forecast to be US$14,000 higher than the CTLS[9]
Specifications (CTSW)
 |
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Data from [citation needed]
General characteristics
- Crew: one, pilot
- Capacity: one passenger
- Fuel capacity: 126 litres, 120 litres usable (33 gal)
- Baggage capacity: 50 kg (110 lb)
Performance
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- ^ a b c Hunt, Adam: One of aviation’s best kept secrets - Flight Design CT2K – Flight report, COPA Flight page C-1. Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, October 2004
- ^ Grady, Mary (2009). "Flight Design LSAs Approved In China". Retrieved 2009-12-03.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Indian Air Force Round the Globe Expedition
- ^ Indian Air Force Round the Globe Expedition - Executed Itinerary
- ^ Grady, Mary (2010). "LSA To Fight Fires In Ecuador". AvWeb. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Flight Design (2009). "CTLS" (PDF). Retrieved 8 December 2010.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Grady, Mary (2008). "Flight Design Introduces Metal Version Of CT LSA". Retrieved 2010-01-21.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Grady, Mary (2010). "Flight Design Keeps On Designin'". Retrieved 14 April 2010.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Grady, Mary (2010). "Flight Design Details New Model Features". Retrieved 14 April 2010.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help)
External links
