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Aériane Swift
The Aériane SWIFT (Swept Wing with Inboard Flap Trim) is an unusual family of aircraft. Originally conceived as a rigid hang glider with sailplane-like performance, it was designed by Bright Star Gliders in collaboration with engineers at Stanford University as a boomerang-shaped wing with fins at its tips. A number of different frames have since been fitted to it, to create a two-seat glider (the Tandem Swift), a self-launching glider (the Swift-PAS), and a motor-glider (the P-Swift). The basic Swift itself is marketed as a foot-launched sailplane, and claims to be unique in this regard. All of the various frames are interchangeable and any can be added to the same basic wing. Aériane first manufactured the SWIFT under licence, but as of 2004 is its only manufacturer. The firm has released a refined version of the wing as the Swift'Lite.
Specifications (Swift'Lite)
General characteristics
- Crew: one, pilot
- Length: ft in ( m)
- Wingspan: 42 ft 0 in (12.80 m)
- Height: ft in ( m)
- Wing area: 136 ft² (12.5 m²)
- Aspect ratio: 13:1
- Empty: 106 lb (48 kg)
- Loaded: lb ( kg)
- Maximum takeoff: 106 lb (48 kg)
Performance
- Maximum speed:
- Maximum glide ratio: 27:1
- Rate of sink: 118 ft/min (36 m/min)
- Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
Related content
Related development:
Comparable aircraft: Mitchell U-2 Superwing
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