Avian Cheetah

The Avian Cheetah is a British high-wing, single-place, competition hang glider, designed by Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton and produced by Avian Limited of Hope Valley, Derbyshire.[1][2]

Cheetah
Role Hang glider
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Avian Limited
Designer Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton
Status In production
Unit cost
£3574 (2003 price)
Developed from Avian Java

Design and development

The Cheetah is a development of the Avian Java and is a "topless" design without a kingpost or top wire rigging, although it retains the lower flying wires.[1]

The current production Cheetah 150 model is made from aluminum and carbon fibre tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 10.4 m (34.1 ft) span wing has a nose angle of 130deg; and an aspect ratio of 7.5:1. The acceptable pilot hook-in weight is 80 to 110 kg (180 to 240 lb).[1]

The glider can be broken down to a 37 kg (82 lb) package, 4.6 m (15.1 ft) in length for ground transportation on a car top.[2]

Variants
Cheetah 150
Current production version. British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association certified.[1][2]
Cheetah 160
Version offered circa 2003 with 10.4 m (34.1 ft) span wing, with an area of 15 m2 (160 sq ft), a nose angle of 125° and an aspect ratio of 7.0:1.[1]

Specifications (Cheetah 150)

Data from Avian[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 10.4 m (34 ft 1 in) with tip fairings
  • Wing area: 14.5 m2 (156 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 7.5:1
  • Empty weight: 35 kg (77 lb) rigged ready for flight
  • Gross weight: 145 kg (320 lb)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 24 km/h (15 mph, 13 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 113 km/h (70 mph, 61 kn) in smooth air
  • Maximum glide ratio: 15.3:1 (depending on the harness used)
  • Rate of sink: 0.86 m/s (169 ft/min)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 42. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Avian Limited (n.d.). "Cheetah 150". Archived from the original on 2013-01-06. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
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