UFM Easy Riser

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UFM Easy Riser
UFM Easy Riser.jpg
Role Hang glider & Ultralight aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Ultralight Flying Machines
Designer Larry Mauro & John Moody
First flight1975 (powered ultralight)
StatusIn limited production (hang glider version, 2002)
Variants Mauro Solar Riser
Pterodactyl Light Flyer

The UFM Easy Riser is an American swept wing biplane hang glider that was first powered in 1975, becoming the first modern ultralight aircraft. The Easy Riser was still in production as an unpowered glider in 2002 by Ultralight Flying Machines. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Design and development

The Easy Riser was developed by Larry Mauro from the earlier Kiceniuk Icarus II biplane hang glider. An engine was installed by John Moody in 1975 so the glider could be launched from flat terrain. [1] [5]

Early powered versions consisted simply of a motor added to the foot-launched hang glider version with control by a combination of weight shift for pitch and tip rudders for roll and yaw, with the tip rudders used together as air brakes. Because many pilots could not run fast enough to achieve take-off, wheeled tricycle gear was added. The aircraft exhibited poor pitch stability, so a horizontal stabilizer and elevator were added. Finally, on later versions, the tip rudders were replaced with a tail-mounted rudder. [1]

The Easy Riser is constructed with an aluminium structure and stamped ribs, covered in doped aircraft fabric covering, Mylar or other coverings. The pilot sits on a fabric sling seat. Engines used include the 11 hp (8 kW) McCulloch MAC-101, 15 hp (11 kW) Hirth F-36 and Solo 210. [1]

Easy Risers were produced in large numbers until the ultralight market downturn of the early 1980s when the type was taken out of production. Later, the unpowered glider version was put back into limited production. [1] [4]

In 1979, Larry Mauro installed solar cells and an electric motor on a stock Easy Riser and the resulting Mauro Solar Riser become the first solar powered aircraft to carry a person aloft. [6] [7]

Aircraft on Display

Easy Rider ultralight at the Iowa Aviation Museum. This aircraft was modified with a canard. UFM Easy Riser (9-16-2023).jpg
Easy Rider ultralight at the Iowa Aviation Museum. This aircraft was modified with a canard.

Specifications (Easy Riser ultralight)

Data from EAA [11]

General characteristics

Performance

Notable appearances in media

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page E-14. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN   0-9680628-1-4
  2. 1 2 Experimental Aircraft Association (2011). "UFM EASY RISER" . Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  3. 1 2 Experimental Aircraft Association (2011). "UFM-APP EASY RISER" . Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  4. 1 2 Moody, John (2002). "CURRENT EASYRISER INFO" . Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  5. Rogers, Bennett: 1974 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 99. Soaring Society of America, August 1974. USPS 499-920
  6. Experimental Aircraft Association (2011). "UFM/MAURO SOLAR RISER" . Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  7. AIAA/SAE/ASME 20th Joint Propulsion Conference (1984). "AIAA paper 84-1429" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 7, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  8. Canadian Air & Space Museum (2011). "Easy Riser Ultralight" . Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  9. "Vintage Aircraft". Iowa Aviation Museum . Archived from the original on June 6, 2023.
  10. US Southwest Soaring Museum (2010). "Sailplanes, Hang Gliders & Motor Gliders" . Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  11. Experimental Aircraft Association (2011). "UFM EASY RISER Specifications" . Retrieved March 6, 2011.