Mitchell Wing B-10

The Mitchell Wing B-10 is an American high-wing, open cockpit, single-seat ultralight aircraft and motor glider that was designed by Don Mitchell and produced by a variety of companies in the form of kits and plans for amateur construction.[1]

B-10
Mitchell Wing B-10 at Pima Air & Space Museum
Role Ultralight aircraft and motor glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer US Pacific
Designer Don Mitchell
Introduction mid-1980s
Status Plans available (2012)
Unit cost
US$300 (plans only, 2011)
Variants Mitchell U-2 Superwing
AmeriPlanes Mitchell Wing A-10

In 2012 the aircraft was still available in the form of plans and some materials, offered by US Pacific of Fresno, California.[1]

Design and development

The B-10 started off as a foot-launched hang glider and was adapted into a wheel-equipped tricycle landing gear ultralight aircraft with good soaring performance. It features a single engine in pusher configuration, mounted behind the pilot's seat. The B-10 was later developed into the two seat A-10 and T-10 and the mid-wing Mitchell U-2 Superwing. The B-10 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 245 lb (111 kg).[1]

The B-10 is configured as a tailless aircraft. The aircraft's fuselage structure is made from aluminum tubing while the wing has a birch plywood D-cell leading edge and foam ribs, covered with Dacron sailcloth or doped aircraft fabric. Its 36 ft (11.0 m) span wing employs a NACA 23015 airfoil, has an area of 136 sq ft (12.6 m2), an aspect ratio of 8:1 and mounts external ailerons as well as wing tip rudders. The 8.5 ft (2.6 m) outboard wing panels have 6 degrees of dihedral and the wing overall has 12 degrees of sweep. The controls are conventional three axis, with a top-mounted centre stick. Small engines in the 20 to 30 hp (15 to 22 kW) range can be used and the Zenoah G-25 of 22 hp (16 kW) has been fitted.[1][2][3]

The A-10 can be quickly disassembled for ground transport or storage. The outer wing panels fold or can be removed, the fuselage cage is detachable and the tip rudders are quickly removed. The A-10 can be transported on a small trailer, in a pickup truck or in and on top of a station wagon.[3]

Construction time for the supplied plans is estimated at 500 hours.[1]

Operational history

The A-10 holds several world records for aircraft in its class. The American George Worthington set eight records in the design.[1][3]

Aircraft on display

Specifications (B-10)

Data from World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12 and US Pacific[1][5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 8 ft (2.4 m)
  • Wingspan: 34 ft (10 m)
  • Height: 4 ft (1.2 m)
  • Wing area: 136 sq ft (12.6 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 8:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 23015
  • Empty weight: 245 lb (111 kg)
  • Gross weight: 595 lb (270 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 litres (1.1 imp gal; 1.3 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Zenoah G-25 two stroke aircraft engine, 22 hp (16 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed Wooden fixed pitch, 4 ft 2 in (1.27 m) diameter

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 65 mph (105 km/h, 56 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 60 mph (97 km/h, 52 kn)
  • Stall speed: 25 mph (40 km/h, 22 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m)
  • g limits: +4/-4
  • Maximum glide ratio: 16:1
  • Rate of climb: 600 ft/min (3.0 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 4.4 lb/sq ft (21 kg/m2)
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See also

References
  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 138. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  3. US Pacific (2003). "The Mitchell Wing B-10 Ultralight Motor Glider". Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  4. US Southwest Soaring Museum (2010). "Sailplanes, Hang Gliders & Motor Gliders". Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  5. US Pacific (2003). "Specifications". Retrieved 3 December 2012.
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