AV Vagabund

The AV Leichtflugzeuge Vagabund (English: Vagabond) is a German ultralight aircraft that was designed by Birk Meier, Hans Grannemann and Robert Kaps and produced by AV Leichtflugzeuge of Haren, Germany. The aircraft is supplied as a kit or plans for amateur construction or as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1][2]

Vagabund
Role Ultralight aircraft
National origin Germany
Manufacturer AV Leichtflugzeuge
Status In production
Number built 4 (1998)

The design was marketed in the 1990s by Aircraft Coverings of Bad Essen, Germany.[3]

Design and development

The Vagabund was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules. It features a strut-braced biplane layout, a two-seats-in-tandem open cockpit, fixed conventional landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration. The aircraft closely resembles the 1930s Bücker Bü 131.[1][2]

The aircraft is made from Polish pine, with its flying surfaces covered in doped aircraft fabric. Its 7.55 m (24.8 ft) span wing employs ailerons on the lower wing only. The aircraft can use engines from 50 to 85 hp (37 to 63 kW). The 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL, the 85 hp (63 kW) Jabiru 2200 and the 75 hp (56 kW) Limbach L2000 Volkswagen air-cooled engine have been fitted, along with automotive conversions such as the Nissan 1.2 litre engine.[1][2][3]

Specifications (Vagabund)

Data from Bayerl and Aerocrafter[1][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 7.55 m (24 ft 9 in)
  • Wing area: 18.2 m2 (196 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 114 kg (252 lb)
  • Gross weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 50 litres (11 imp gal; 13 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Jabiru 2200 four cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 63 kW (85 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed wooden

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 115 km/h (71 mph, 62 kn)
  • Stall speed: 59 km/h (37 mph, 32 kn)
  • Range: 400 km (250 mi, 220 nmi)
  • Rate of climb: 3 m/s (590 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 24.73 kg/m2 (5.07 lb/sq ft)


References
  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 30. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 32. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 104. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
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