The Pegna-Bonmartini Rondine, or Pegna Rondine, is a single-seat ultralight sport aeroplane designed by Giovanni Pegna and built by Piaggio in Italy during 1923.
Contents
Development
Probably inspired by the success of entrants to the Lympne ultra-light aeroplane trials, Signore Pegna designed the Rondine to take advantage of small low-powered light weight engines available at the time.
Design
The Rondine is a mid-winged cantilever monoplane built primarily of wood with fabric-covered wings. The fuselage is noteworthy in being clinker or carvel built similar to boat building techniques. The single piece two-spar wings are of low aspect ratio and relatively thick so external bracing is unnecessary. Control is provided by conventional ailerons and rudder, with a small fixed fin and an all-flying tailplane and elevator mounted above the rear fuselage forward of the fin. The fixed undercarriage consists of braced trousered main legs and a tail-skid.
Several powerplants were tested with poor results until the 404 cc (24.65 cu in) ABC 8 hp, used successfully in other contemporary ultra-light aircraft, fitted with a 3:1 reduction gear, was found to be satisfactory.
Accommodation for the pilot is in an open cockpit, set at mid chord, with padded edges, protected from the slipstream by a three-piece windscreen.
Specifications (Rondine)
Data from Flight, 23 December 1923
General characteristics
Performance