Flying Machines FM250 Vampire

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Flying Machines FM250 Vampire
Vampire01.jpg
FM250 Vampire
Role Ultralight aircraft and Light-sport aircraft
National origin Czech Republic
Manufacturer Flying Machines s.r.o.
Introduction2007
StatusIn production
Unit cost
60,000 (assembled, 2011)

The Flying Machines FM250 Vampire is a Czech ultralight and light-sport aircraft, designed and produced by Flying Machines s.r.o. of Rasošky, introduced at the Sport Aircraft Show held in Sebring, Florida in 2007. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft. [1] [2]

Czech Republic Republic in Central Europe

The Czech Republic, also known by its short-form name, Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east and Poland to the northeast. The Czech Republic covers an area of 78,866 square kilometres (30,450 sq mi) with a mostly temperate continental climate and oceanic climate. It is a unitary parliamentary republic, with 10.6 million inhabitants; its capital and largest city is Prague, with 1.3 million residents. Other major cities are Brno, Ostrava, Olomouc and Pilsen. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union (EU), NATO, the OECD, the United Nations, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe.

Light-sport aircraft aircraft weight classification generally less than 600 kg (1300 lb) and of otherwise simple construction and operation

A light-sport aircraft (LSA), or light sport aircraft, is a small aircraft that is simple to fly and that meets certain regulations set by a national aviation authority restricting weight and performance. For example, in Australia the Civil Aviation Safety Authority defines a light-sport aircraft as a heavier-than-air or lighter-than-air craft, other than a helicopter, with a maximum gross takeoff weight of not more than 560 kilograms (1,230 lb) for lighter-than-air craft; 600 kilograms for heavier-than-air craft not intended for operation on water; or 650 kilograms (1,430 lb) for aircraft intended for operation on water. It must have a maximum stall speed of 45 knots in landing configuration; a maximum of two seats; there is no limit on maximum speed unless it is a glider, which is limited to Vne 135 kn CAS; fixed undercarriage ; an unpressurized cabin; and a single non-turbine engine driving a propeller if it is a powered aircraft.

Flying machines s.r.o. is a Czech manufacturer of light aircraft based in Rasošky. The company was established in 2004 and specializes in kit aircraft for amateur construction and ultralight trikes.

Contents

Design and development

The aircraft was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules and US light-sport aircraft rules. It features a cantilever low-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy that hinges forward, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration. [1] [2]

<i>Fédération Aéronautique Internationale</i> voluntary association

The Fédération aéronautique internationale, is the world governing body for air sports, and also stewards definitions regarding human spaceflight. It was founded on 14 October 1905, and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. It maintains world records for aeronautical activities including ballooning, aeromodeling, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), as well as flights into space.

Bubble canopy

A bubble canopy is a canopy made without bracing, which attempts to provide 360° vision to the pilot. Bubble canopy designs vary. Some, like on later versions of the F4U Corsair, are built into the upper rear fuselage, while others, like the canopy of the P-51D Mustang and most modern fighter aircraft, are built flush with the fuselage, providing unobstructed rear visibility.

Tricycle landing gear aircraft undercarriage arranged with main gear under the wing or fuselage and a third set under the nose

Tricycle gear is a type of aircraft undercarriage, or landing gear, arranged in a tricycle fashion. The tricycle arrangement has a single nose wheel in the front, and two or more main wheels slightly aft of the center of gravity. Tricycle gear aircraft are the easiest to take-off, land and taxi, and consequently the configuration is the most widely used on aircraft.

The aircraft is made from composite materials and features a wet wing. Its 7.8 m (25.6 ft) span wing has an area of 10.05 m2 (108.2 sq ft) and flaps. Standard engines available are the 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL or the 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS four-stroke powerplant. Full dual controls are provided, with the exception of wheel brakes, which are left seat only. [1] [2]

Composite material material made from a combination of two or more dislike substances

A composite material is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. The individual components remain separate and distinct within the finished structure, differentiating composites from mixtures and solid solutions.

A wet wing is an aerospace engineering technique where an aircraft's wing structure is sealed and used as a fuel tank. Wet wings are also called integral fuel tanks.

Variants

FM250 Vampire
Original model, introduced in 2007 [1] [2]
FM250 Vampire II
Improved model, introduced in 2011. [1] [2]
FM250 Mystique
Model for the US light-sport aircraft category, with longer wings. The Mystique is a Federal Aviation Administration approved special light-sport aircraft. [2] [3]

Specifications (FM250 Vampire II)

Data from Bayerl and Flying Machines [1] [4]

General characteristics

Aircraft engine Engine designed for use in powered aircraft

An aircraft engine is a component of the propulsion system for an aircraft that generates mechanical power. Aircraft engines are almost always either lightweight piston engines or gas turbines, except for small multicopter UAVs which are almost always electric aircraft.

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 250 km/h (155 mph; 135 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 220 km/h (137 mph; 119 kn)
  • Stall speed: 65 km/h (40 mph; 35 kn) flaps down
  • Never exceed speed: 270 km/h (168 mph; 146 kn)
  • Range: 1,200 km (746 mi; 648 nmi)
  • Rate of climb: 7 m/s (1,400 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 47.01 kg/m2 (9.63 lb/sq ft)

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 54. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 55. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN   1368-485X
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (26 September 2016). "SLSA Make/Model Directory" . Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  4. Flying Machines (2008). "Vampire II" . Retrieved 4 July 2012.