Roberts Cygnet

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Cygnet
General information
TypeGlider
National originUnited States
Designer
StatusProduction completed
Number builtOne
History
First flight1992

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]

Design and development

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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

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

Specifications (Cygnet)

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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

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Related lists

References

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  2. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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