US Aviation Super Floater

The US Aviation Super Floater (also called the SuperFloater and Superfloater) is an American high-wing, strut-braced, single-seat glider that was designed by Klaus Hill and Larry Hall and produced by US Aviation initially and later by Wind Walker Aircraft Co.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Super Floater
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer US Aviation
Wind Walker Aircraft Co
Designer Klaus Hill and Larry Hall
Introduction early 1970s
Status Production completed
Unit cost
US$5,995 (March 1995)

Design and development

The Super Floater is an ultralight sailplane that is designed for fun flying, rather than competition, and as such it has a glide ratio of just 15:1. It is very similar to the primary gliders of the 1930s in concept, performance and appearance. Designed to fit into the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations, most are not registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Most were factory built and delivered completed and ready to fly, although some may have been completed as homebuilt aircraft.[1][2][5]

The aircraft is made from aluminium tube, covered with Dacron. Its 38 ft (11.6 m) span wing is braced by twin "V" struts and jury struts. The cruciform tail is strut-braced. The controls consist of a side stick and rudder pedals. The landing gear is a monowheel gear, mounted directly behind the pilot. A ballistic parachute was factory-optional equipment.[1]

The aircraft was initially produced by US Aviation in the early 1970s, but production ended in the 1980s. It was briefly re-introduced by Wind Walker Aircraft Co in 1995, following a redesign, with US Aviation as distributor for US$5,995 fully assembled.[2]

Operational history

In about 1994 Dave Chapman flew a Super Floater to an altitude of 12,500 ft (3,810 m) in mountain wave lift north of Salt Lake City, Utah.[2]

Specifications (Super Floater)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Hang Gliding Magazine[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 38 ft (12 m)
  • Wing area: 168 sq ft (15.6 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 8.4:1
  • Empty weight: 179 lb (81 kg)
  • Gross weight: 400 lb (181 kg)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 23 mph (37 km/h, 20 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 60 mph (97 km/h, 52 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 15:1 at 35 mph (56 km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 180 ft/min (0.9 m/s)
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See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "Super Floater US Aviation". Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  2. Johnson, Dan (March 1995). "Product Lines March 1995". Hang Gliding Magazine. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  4. Downey, Julia: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 74. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  5. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 314. BAI Communications. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
  6. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 59. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
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