Rahul Sharma (Editor)

Roberts Cygnet

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Wingspan
  
13 m

First flight
  
1992

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.

Contents

Design and development

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

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.

Operational history

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

Specifications (Cygnet)

Data from Sailplane Directory

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)
  • References

    Roberts Cygnet Wikipedia