Gemini Hummingbird
| Hummingbird | |
|---|---|
| Role | Ultralight aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Gemini International |
| Designer | Ed Sweeney |
| Introduction | 1981 |
| Status | Production completed |
|
| |
The Gemini Hummingbird is a family of American single- and two-seat, twin-engined ultralight aircraft. Introduced in 1981, the Hummingbird was designed by Ed Sweeney and produced by Gemini International. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2]
Design and development
The aircraft was designed before the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, but later versions were intended to specifically fit the category. The Hummingbird features a high wing, a V-tail, an open cockpit, tricycle landing gear and twin, wing-mounted engines in tractor configuration.[1][2]
The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with its flying surfaces covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 70% double-surface, 36 ft (11.0 m) span wing is cable-braced from an inverted "V" kingpost on early models and is strut-braced on later versions. The pilot is accommodated in a web sling seat that allows foot-launching, an unwritten requirement for ultralights in the USA prior to FAR 103. The controls are three-axis, but on the Sport model the control stick activates all surfaces, including the ruddervators. The later 103 model introduced rudder pedals. The landing gear lacks suspension, but does feature nosewheel steering.[1][2]
In 2009 Sweeney was experimenting with dual electric motors for a new model of the Hummingbird.[2]
Variants
- Hummingbird Sport
- Single-seat cable-braced model, powered by two 8 hp (6 kW) single-cylinder Husqvarna AB Partner chainsaw engines with reduction drives installed or, later, two twin-cylinder Limbach Flugmotoren engines. The Sport has an empty weight of 170 lb (77 kg) and a gross weight of 326 lb (148 kg).[1]
- Hummingbird 103
- Improved, strut-braced single-seat model for FAR 103 rules, powered by two Solo 335 engines of 20 hp (15 kW).[1]
- Hummingbird 2
- Two-seat model, with a structurally stronger airframe.[1]
Specifications (Hummingbird 103)
Data from Cliche[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 36 ft (11 m)
- Wing area: 1,750 sq ft (163 m2)
- Empty weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
- Gross weight: 560 lb (254 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 4.4 U.S. gallons (17 L; 3.7 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 2 × Solo 335 , 20 hp (15 kW) each
Performance
- Cruise speed: 57 mph (50 kn; 92 km/h)
- Stall speed: 22 mph (19 kn; 35 km/h)
- Range: 100 mi (87 nmi; 161 km)
- G limits: +4.5/-3.5
- Maximum glide ratio: 11:1
- Rate of climb: 941 ft/min (4.78 m/s)
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
