| Lightning | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Autogyro |
| National origin | Bulgaria |
| Manufacturer | Niki Rotor Aviation |
| Introduction | 2009 |
| Status | In production (assembled, 2017) |
| Produced | 2009-present |
| Variants | Niki Kallithea |
The Niki Lightning is a fully enclosed two-seater tricycle autogyro of composite construction, designed and built by Niki Rotor Aviation in Bulgaria. It was introduced in 2009 [1] [2]
The Lightning's cockpit pod accommodates a pilot and passenger in tandem. The main rotor is two-bladed, with a pre-rotator. Unconventionally the tail boom is mounted though the centre of the propeller shaft. [3] The boom may be unbolted and removed to aid access to the engine and prop.[ citation needed ]
There is a choice of two very compact D-Motor engines (both liquid-cooled horizontally-opposed side-valve four-strokes): either the 95 hp (71 kW) 4-cylinder LF26 or the 130 hp (97 kW) 6-cylinder LF39. The engine is sited behind the cockpit, driving a 3- or 4-bladed ground-adjustable pusher propeller which is coaxial with the tail boom. The D-Motor engines are direct-drive units redlined at 3,000 rpm. The engines are sited beneath the thrust line of the propeller; instead of using a gearbox, the Lightning uses a multi-belt-drive reduction system of about 3:2 ratio, resulting in an efficient propeller speed of up to 2,000 rpm. [4] This arrangement avoids the necessity of a tailboom beneath the propeller, giving a smoother empenage and reducing drag. Beneath the tail-fin a spring-steel tailskid is fitted, to inhibit propeller strikes.
Consuming some 15 L (4.0 US gal; 3.3 imp gal) of avgas per hour, the autogyro has an endurance of 4 hours, with 30 minutes reserve. Its cruise speed of 81 kn (150 km/h; 93 mph) gives the autogyro a range of over 320 nmi (590 km; 370 mi). It has a take-off roll of 70 m (230 ft), and a landing roll of 20 m (66 ft). [2] The Lightning may be flown with its side doors removed. [5]
An alternative engine for the Niki Lightning is the Rotax 914UL (but the normal Rotax gearbox would be dispensed with in favour of the drive belts). [6]
Data from US distributor [2]
General characteristics
Performance
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If you prefer more dynamic flight experience you can just remove the composite doors and enjoy the open air cabin.