Harmening High Flyer

Design and development

The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 247 lb (112 kg). The aircraft was designed to be a single-place or optionally two-seater. The base model High Flyer features an MK Superfit rip-stop nylon parachute-style high-wing, tricycle landing gear and a single 45 hp (34 kW) 2si 460-F engine in pusher configuration. Variants use other engines.

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted 6061-T6 aluminium, welded 4130 steel tubing and mild steel. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates sprung steel suspension. The aircraft was factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30–40 hours to complete.

Reviewer Andre Cliche described the aircraft as "a proven design".

Operational history

By 1998 the company reported that 75 kits had been sold and 75 aircraft were completed and flying.

Variants

High Flyer

Base model with 45 hp (34 kW) two-stroke 2si 460-F engine. Cost was US$9,500 in 2001.

High Flyer Standard

Model with 50 hp (37 kW) two stroke Rotax 503 engine. Cost was US$9,395 in 2000. Twenty-five completed and flown by early 2000.

High Flyer Deluxe

Model with 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine and larger fuel tank. Cost was US$9,895 in 2000. Twenty-five completed and flown by early 2000.

High Flyer Premiere

Model with 60 hp (45 kW) four-stroke HKS 700E engine. Cost was US$14,980 in 2000. Thirty completed and flown by early 2000.

High Flyer Executive

Model with 65 hp (48 kW) two-stroke Hirth 2706 engine. Cost was US$11,999 in 2000. Thirty completed and flown by early 2000.

High Five

Model with 64 hp (48 kW) two-stroke Rotax 582 engine. Cost was US$12,250 in 2005. Ten completed and flown by early 2005.

Specifications (High Flyer Executive)

Data from Kitplanes

General characteristics

Crew: one

Capacity: optionally one passenger, if second seat fitted

Length: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m)

Wingspan: 39 ft (12 m) parachute wing span

Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) carriage height only

Wing area: 550 sq ft (51 m²)

Empty weight: 280 lb (127 kg)

Gross weight: 830 lb (376 kg)

Fuel capacity: 9 U.S. gallons (34 L; 7.5 imp gal)

Powerplant: 1 × Hirth 2706 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 65 hp (48 kW)

Performance

Cruise speed: 26 mph (23 kn; 42 km/h)

Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)