The Aero-Service Panda is a Polish ultralight, designed and produced by Aero-Service Jacek Skopiński of Warsaw. The aircraft is supplied complete and ready-to-fly.[1][2][3][4]

Panda
Artist's rendering of the Panda
Role Ultralight aircraft
National origin Poland
Manufacturer Aero-Service Jacek Skopiński
First flight 28 September 2016
Status In production (2016)

Design and development edit

The Panda was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules. It features a cantilever high-wing, a T-tail, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cabin, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2][3][4]

The aircraft is made from sheet aluminum, with some parts, such as the engine cowling and wing tips made from composites. Its 8.91 m (29.2 ft) span wing employs a modified NACA 633-618 airfoil, has an area of 10.6 m2 (114 sq ft) and flaps. The cabin width is 120 cm (47 in).[1][2][3][4][5]

The Panda prototype was first flown on 28 September 2011.[2][3][4]

Operational history edit

Reviewer Marino Boric described the design in a 2015 review as possessing visibility that "is good in all directions because of very large glassed surfaces". He also noted that it is "sold at a reasonable price".[1]

Variants edit

Panda Standard
Base model powered by an 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL four-stroke powerplant.[1]
Panda Sport
Model powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS four-stroke powerplant.[1]
Panda Exclusive
Model powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS four-stroke powerplant plus with a Dynon glass cockpit and other options as standard.[1]

Specifications (Panda Standard) edit

Data from Tacke and manufacturer[1][5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 6.62 m (21 ft 9 in)
  • Wingspan: 8.91 m (29 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 2.32 m (7 ft 7 in)
  • Wing area: 10.6 m2 (114 sq ft)
  • Airfoil: modified NACA 633-618
  • Empty weight: 270 kg (595 lb)
  • Gross weight: 472.5 kg (1,042 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 100 litres (22 imp gal; 26 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912UL four cylinder, liquid and air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 60 kW (80 hp)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed composite

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 220 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 190 km/h (120 mph, 100 kn)
  • Stall speed: 62 km/h (39 mph, 33 kn) flaps down
  • Never exceed speed: 260 km/h (160 mph, 140 kn)
  • Range: 1,200 km (750 mi, 650 nmi) with 45 minutes reserves
  • Service ceiling: 3,650 m (11,980 ft)
  • g limits: +4/-2
  • Rate of climb: 6 m/s (1,200 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 44.57 kg/m2 (9.13 lb/sq ft)

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 20. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b c d Jackson, Paul (ed): Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2012-2013, pages 500-501. Jane's Information Group, 2012. ISBN 978 0 7106 30001
  3. ^ a b c d Jackson, Paul (ed): IHS-Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2013-2014, Development and Production, pages 502-504. Jane's Information Group, 2013. ISBN 978 0 7106 30407
  4. ^ a b c d Jackson, Paul (ed): IHS-Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2014-2015, Development and Production, pages 520-521. Jane's Information Group, 2014. ISBN 978-0710631350
  5. ^ a b Aero-Service Jacek Skopiński (2010). "Technical data and performance". Retrieved 17 December 2016.

External links edit