The Chandelle Mk IV is an American ultralight aircraft that was designed by Nile Downer and produced by Chandelle Aircraft. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2]

Mark IV
Role Ultralight aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Chandelle Aircraft
Designer Nile Downer
Introduction 1984
Status Production completed

Design and development

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The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 243 lb (110 kg). It features a strut-braced high-wing, a single-seat, open cockpit, tricycle landing gear and a single engine in pusher configuration.[1][2]

The aircraft is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing, with the wings and tail surfaces covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its tapered planform, single-surface, 30.5 ft (9.3 m) span wing is supported by both lift struts and jury struts. The wing features 3/4 span ailerons. The pilot is accommodated in an open seat without a windshield. The tail surfaces are mounted on tubes that travel beside and below the pusher engine and propeller. The tricycle landing gear features main gear suspension.[1][2]

The Mark IV appeared just before the collapse of the US ultralight market in 1984 and so few were produced or sold.[1]

Specifications (Mk IV)

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Data from Cliche[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 17 ft (5.2 m)
  • Wingspan: 30 ft 6 in (9.30 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
  • Wing area: 153 sq ft (14.2 m2)
  • Empty weight: 243 lb (110 kg)
  • Gross weight: 500 lb (227 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Cuyuna UL II-02 twin cylinder, two-stroke engine, 30 hp (22 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed wooden

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 59 mph (95 km/h, 51 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 45 mph (72 km/h, 39 kn)
  • Stall speed: 23 mph (37 km/h, 20 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 75 mph (121 km/h, 65 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 700 ft/min (3.6 m/s)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page E-4. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  2. ^ a b c Virtual Ultralight Museum (n.d.). "Chandelle Mk IV". Retrieved December 2, 2011.
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