Roberts Cygnet

The Roberts Cygnet is an American high-wing, cruciform tail, single-seat, glider that was designed and produced by Donald Roberts as a contender for the IGC World Class sailplane.[1]

Cygnet
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer Donald Roberts
First flight 1992
Status Production completed
Number built One

Design and development

The Cygnet was the sole US entrant in the competition for the World Class sailplane, losing out to the Polish Politechnika Warszawska PW-5. As a result only one Cygnet was completed. The prototype was finished and first flown in 1992[1]

The aircraft is made from steel tubing and aluminium, with fiberglass fairings. Its 13 m (42.7 ft) span wing employs a Somers-Maughmer SM701 airfoil and features balanced top and bottom DFS-style air brakes for glidepath control. A ballistic parachute was to be standard equipment.[1][2]

Operational history

In August 2011 the sole Cygnet built was still listed on the US Federal Aviation Administration registry.[3]

Specifications (Cygnet)

Data from Sailplane Directory[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Wingspan: 42 ft 8 in (13 m)
  • Wing area: 103 sq ft (9.6 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 18:1
  • Airfoil: Somers-Maughmer SM701
  • Empty weight: 364 lb (165 kg)
  • Gross weight: 606 lb (275 kg)

Performance

  • Wing loading: 5.88 lb/sq ft (28.7 kg/m2)

See also

Related lists

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "Cygnet Roberts". Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  2. Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 15 August 2011.
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