The Hall Ibex is an experimental, American, gull winged, single seat glider that was designed by Stan Hall and first flown in 1968.[1][2]

Hall Ibex
Role Experimental glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Stan Hall
Designer Stan Hall
First flight 1968[1]
Status In storage
Primary user Stan Hall
Number built 1

Design & Development

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The Ibex was designed by Hall to investigate the reduced wetted area of the pod and boom configuration, hands off spiral stability of a gull wing, and the low speed performance of wide NACA slotted flaps. It also features a V tail, 135 lb (61 kg) of water ballast and a 15 m (49.2 ft) wingspan to comply with FAI Standard Class rules.[3] On one of its first flights the Ibex showed significant tail flutter. Initially Hall considered replacing the tail with a conventional empennage and tail[4] but ended up moving the ruddervator counterweights from the tips to the roots which eliminated the problem.[5]

Operational history

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The Ibex was still flying in 1980 and was eventually donated to the National Soaring Museum.[6]

Aircraft on display

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Specifications (Hall Ibex)

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Data from Sailplane Directory[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 0 in (15 m)
  • Wing area: 125 sq ft (11.6 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 19.2
  • Airfoil: FX61-163 Root, 60-126 Tip
  • Empty weight: 580 lb (263 kg)
  • Gross weight: 905 lb (411 kg) 135 lbs of Water Ballast

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 34:1
  • Lift-to-drag: 34
  • Wing loading: 7.25 lb/sq ft (35.4 kg/m2)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 43. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  2. ^ Federal Aviation Administration (May 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  3. ^ a b SSA. "Sailplane Directory". Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  4. ^ Soaring, November 1967
  5. ^ Soaring, October 1974
  6. ^ a b National Soaring Museum (2011). "Sailplanes in Our Collection". Archived from the original on May 16, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
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