Meadowlark Ultralight Meadowlark
| Meadowlark | |
|---|---|
| Role | Ultralight aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Meadowlark Ultralight Corporation |
| Designer | Jim Higgs |
| Introduction | 1982 |
| Status | Production completed |
The Meadowlark Ultralight Meadowlark is an American ultralight aircraft that was designed by Jim Higgs and produced by the Meadowlark Ultralight Corporation. The Meadowlark was supplied only as a factory completed aircraft.[1][2]
Design and development
[edit]The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 251 lb (114 kg). It features a strut-braced high-wing, a single-seat, open cockpit, tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]
The aircraft fuselage is made from aluminum tubing. Its 35 ft (10.7 m) span wing is constructed in a similar manner to the Ultraflight Lazair's wing. It is built from D-cell spar and leading edge, with foam ribs bonded to the spar. The wing is then covered with transparent Mylar film for covering. The wing incorporates a quick-folding mechanism that allows it to be folded back along the fuselage for ground transport or for storage. The pilot is accommodated on an open seat without a windshield. The landing gear features suspension on all wheels and a steerable nosewheel. The Cuyuna 430R engine of 30 hp (22 kW) is mounted in front of the wing, above the pilot.[1][2]
Due to its introduction just before the collapse of the US ultralight industry in 1984, the design was not a commercial success and only a small number were completed and sold.[1]
Specifications (Meadowlark)
[edit]Data from Cliche and the Virtual Ultralight Museum[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 19 ft (5.8 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft (11 m)
- Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
- Wing area: 136 sq ft (12.6 m2)
- Empty weight: 251 lb (114 kg)
- Gross weight: 550 lb (249 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 3.7 U.S. gallons (14 L; 3.1 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Cuyuna 430R twin cylinder, two-stroke aircraft engine, 30 hp (22 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 55 mph (89 km/h, 48 kn)
- Cruise speed: 35 mph (56 km/h, 30 kn)
- Stall speed: 22 mph (35 km/h, 19 kn)
- Range: 90 mi (140 km, 78 nmi)
- g limits: +3.8/-1.5
- Maximum glide ratio: 8:1 at 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)
- Rate of sink: 400 ft/min (2.0 m/s)
- Wing loading: 4.04 lb/sq ft (19.7 kg/m2)
