The Hermanspann Chinook is an American mid-wing, two-seat, experimental research glider that was designed and constructed by Fred Hermanspann and Art Penz.[1][2]
| Chinook | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider Type of aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | Fred Hermanspann and Art Penz |
| First flight | 1993 |
| Status | Production completed |
| Number built | One |
The Chinook and its improved variant, the Chinook S, have been used to study the effect of rain on airfoils and also stall dynamics.[1]
The aircraft is predominantly made from aluminium with the cockpit area made from fiberglass. Its 57 ft (17.4 m) span high aspect ratio wing employs a Wortmann FX67-K-170/17 airfoil. Glidepath control is via hydraulically operated trailing edge flaps that deflect 80°. The landing gear consists of hydraulically retractable nose gear and main gear. The vertical stabilizer is highly swept.[1][3]
The improved Chinook S features an improved wing tip design, system and structure refinements and a BRS-1200 ballistic parachute.[citation needed]
Only one Chinook was constructed and it was registered with the US Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Amateur-built category.[1][2]
In March 2015 the Chinook was still registered with the FAA to Hermanspann.[2]
After the conclusion of a number of research projects including about rain effects, performance measurements and stall dynamics, the sailplane was being employed extensively through 2015 for cross-country flying, having made a total of five crossings of the Cacscade mountains and having set four Washington state soaring records.[citation needed]
Data from Sailplane Directory[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Related lists