Paxman Viper

The Paxman Viper is a Canadian homebuilt aircraft that was designed by Elbert Paxman and produced by Paxman's Northern Aircraft of Glenwood, Alberta, introduced in 1994. When it was available the aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1]

Viper
Role Homebuilt aircraft
National origin Canada
Manufacturer Paxman's Northern Aircraft
Designer Elbert Paxman
Introduction 1994
Status Production completed
Number built One
Unit cost
US$15,000 (kit, including engine, 1998)

Design and development

The Viper was designed for the Canadian advanced ultralight category. It features a cantilever low-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy, fixed conventional landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]

The aircraft airframe is made from wood, covered in doped aircraft fabric. Its 27.00 ft (8.2 m) span wing has a wing area of 102.0 sq ft (9.48 m2). The acceptable power range is 65 to 110 hp (48 to 82 kW) and the standard engine used is a 100 hp (75 kW) Suzuki automotive conversion powerplant.[1]

The Viper has a typical empty weight of 585 lb (265 kg) and a gross weight of 1,050 lb (480 kg), giving a useful load of 465 lb (211 kg). With full fuel of 17 U.S. gallons (64 L; 14 imp gal) the payload for the pilot, passenger and baggage is 363 lb (165 kg).[1]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 100 hp (75 kW) engine is 300 ft (91 m) and the landing roll is 400 ft (122 m).[1]

The manufacturer estimated the construction time from the supplied kit as 500 hours.[1]

Operational history

By 1998 the company reported that one kit had been sold, was completed and flying.[1]

In January 2014 one example was registered with Transport Canada.[3]

Specifications (Viper)

Data from AeroCrafter[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
  • Wingspan: 27 ft 0 in (8.23 m)
  • Wing area: 102.0 sq ft (9.48 m2)
  • Empty weight: 585 lb (265 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,050 lb (476 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 17 U.S. gallons (64 L; 14 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Suzuki four cylinder, liquid-cooled, four stroke automotive conversion engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed composite

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 125 mph (201 km/h, 109 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 110 mph (180 km/h, 96 kn)
  • Stall speed: 38 mph (61 km/h, 33 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 1,500 ft/min (7.6 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 10.3 lb/sq ft (50 kg/m2)
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References
  1. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 218. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
  2. Transport Canada (30 December 2013). "Listing of Models Eligible to be Registered as Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplanes (AULA)". Retrieved 25 January 2014.
  3. Transport Canada (25 January 2014). "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register". Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2014.
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