Brock KB-3

KB-3
Role	Autogyro
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Ken Brock Mfg
Designer	Ken Brock
Introduction	1985
Status	Production completed
Produced	1985-2005
Number built	200 (2005)
Unit cost	US$12,000 (2001)
Developed from	Brock KB-2

The Brock KB-3 is an American autogyro that was designed by Ken Brock, produced by Ken Brock Mfg and introduced in 1985. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction and was also available as plans.^[1][2]

Design and development

The KB-3 was derived from the 1970 KB-2 and specifically 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 250 lb (113 kg). It features a single main rotor, a single-seat open cockpit without a windshield, tricycle landing gear and a twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, dual-ignition 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 engine in pusher configuration.^[1]

The aircraft fuselage is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing. Its 22 ft (6.7 m) diameter rotor has two blades. Factory available options included a main rotor pre-rotator, a rotor brake and an instrument package. Fuel capacity is 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) and is housed in a combination pilot seat/fuel tank.^[1]

Due to its small size and light weight the KB-3 is easy to transport by trailer and can be set up to fly in ten minutes.^[1]

Specifications (KB-3)

Data from Cliche and Kitplanes^[1][2]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Length: 12 ft 0 in (3.66 m)
• Empty weight: 250 lb (113 kg)
• Gross weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 582 twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke dual-ignition aircraft engine, 64 hp (48 kW)
• Main rotor diameter: × 22 ft 0 in (6.71 m)
• Main rotor area: 380 sq ft (35 m²)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 63 mph (101 km/h; 55 kn)
• Cruise speed: 60 mph (52 kn; 97 km/h)
• Range: 100 mi (87 nmi; 161 km)
• Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
• Rate of climb: 1,200 ft/min (6.1 m/s)
• Disk loading: 1.58 lb/sq ft (7.7 kg/m²)

References

1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page F-3. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
2. Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 57. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851