XT582 Tundra

The new strut based wing from Airborne with a cruising speed of 65 - 70 knots and a range of up to 420km

The XT582-Tundra Arrow combines a highly developed touring wing with a proven engine and base design. The Tundra version opens up a huge range of landing options.

Arrow wing undersurface

Arrow wing undersurface

Wing top surface mylar finish

Rotax 4 stroke 912

CNC machined fittings

Tundra wheel

Optional BRS chute

The fuel tank holds 72 litres giving the pilot enough airtime for extensive cross country or circuit work. The tank is especially designed for the XT and helps to give the aircraft it's aerodynamic lines. The CNC milled mast capture has allowed an efficient means of attaching the engine mounts, the shock absorbers and the seat frame. The mast is held in place by this part which has been milled out of solid 6061 grade aluminium. This method of manufacturing allows for very strong and light weight components to be used.

Dash

The SKYDAT GX2 is an avionics instrument of the newest generation.
It combines an entire range of flight and engine management instrumentation. The ASI operates with an automatic changeover of scales (low and high). A visual common and individual alarm is provided to attract the attention of the pilot if an important engine parameter is exceeded. Click here for the SKYDAT manual 127Kb
For more info on Skydat GX2 visit: http://users.iafrica.com/a/am/amptro/

With a range of approximately 420 kilometers and the incredible reliabilty of the Rotax 582 engine adventures are bound to be yours in the Airborne XT582 Tundra Arrow.

THE GOAL

This project aim was to improve handling without compromising any of the positive characteristics associated with Airborne wings.

The new Arrow wing has been under development for 12 months. The Arrow was based on the Streak SST wing, but with span decreased by 0.6m, and root reduced by 0.2m. The first flights on the prototype were impressive, with stall speeds similar to its big brother, while the smaller span provides a very nimble feel with quicker roll rate and excellent stability.

Further sail and airfoil refinements have yielded an even greater speed range whilst retaining impressive slow speed performance. Clever undersurface shaping developed for our high-performance hang gliders has been used which allows the undersurface to blow-down producing a "tear drop" airfoil at the tips when high speeds are reached. The change in airfoil shape reduces tip mean camber, which moves the lift distribution inboard, improving roll and pitch stability. The benefit is a comfortable feel with easy handling in turbulence at all speeds.  

Performance testing has shown no increase in stall speed and a decrease in fuel burn compared to the SST wing.

Flying the Arrow. You notice the smaller span straight away, even whilst taxiing. On applying full power for take-off it is surprising how quickly the Arrow gets off the ground. Straight away the controls feel comfortable with a lighter feel in roll than the SST but maintaining excellent feedback through the pitch range.

The stall gives the pilot the same feedback as do all Airborne wings and is very mild at normal and what is considered safe pitch angles. Coming in to land through turbulence, the Arrow gives you extra control due to its small span. The extra control is also noticeable when holding the nose up at lower speeds. The pitch feel is excellent.

Compared to the SST, slower landing speeds in turbulence can be achieved because of the wing’s increased authority, and decreased susceptibility to turbulence, which contributes to shorter landing rolls in rougher air.

THE FINISH

Our customers know our commitment to high quality engineering finish in our products. The Arrow is no exception, although we have gone a step further with this wing. The sail is a work of art. It has been carefully adapted to the frame for an almost (there are limits) perfect fit.

The new top surface cloth on the Arrow makes a lot of sense for a microlight wing. The smooth Mylar finish allows for easy cleaning and is the best weapon against our feathered hanger friends.    

In Summary. The final prototype of the Arrow wing is a pleasure to fly and has seen so much enthusiasm from our pilots at Airborne that it’s difficult to get a flight in our one and only demo.

 

Part 1: SST Wing Set-up

Part 2: Attaching the SST Wing to the XT582 Trike