Avian Cheetah

Design and development

The Cheetah is a development of the Avian Java and is a "topless" design without a kingpost or top wire rigging, although it retains the lower flying wires.

The current production Cheetah 150 model is made from aluminum and carbon fibre tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 10.4 m (34.1 ft) span wing has a nose angle of 130deg; and an aspect ratio of 7.5:1. The acceptable pilot hook-in weight is 80 to 110 kg (180 to 240 lb).

The glider can be broken down to a 37 kg (82 lb) package, 4.6 m (15.1 ft) in length for ground transportation on a car top.

Variants

Cheetah 150

Current production version. British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association certified.

Cheetah 160

Version offered circa 2003 with 10.4 m (34.1 ft) span wing, with an area of 15 m² (160 sq ft), a nose angle of 125° and an aspect ratio of 7.0:1.

Specifications (Cheetah 150)

Data from Avian

General characteristics

Crew: one

Wingspan: 10.4 m (34 ft 1 in) with tip fairings

Wing area: 14.5 m² (156 sq ft)

Aspect ratio: 7.5:1

Empty weight: 35 kg (77 lb) rigged ready for flight

Gross weight: 145 kg (320 lb)

Performance

Stall speed: 24 km/h (15 mph; 13 kn)

Never exceed speed: 113 km/h (70 mph; 61 kn) in smooth air

Maximum glide ratio: 15.3:1 (depending on the harness used)

Rate of sink: 0.86 m/s (169 ft/min)