The Normand Dube Aerocruiser Plus (also called the Aerocruiser 180) is a four-seat Canadian amateur-built aircraft, designed by Normand Dube and produced by Aviation Normand Dube of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec. The aircraft is a development of the two-seat Norman Dube Aerocruiser.[1][2]
| Aerocruiser Plus | |
|---|---|
| Role | Amateur-built aircraft |
| National origin | Canada |
| Manufacturer | Aviation Normand Dube |
| Designer | Normand Dube |
| Introduction | 1988 |
| Status | In production (2015) |
| Number built | one prototype |
| Developed from | Norman Dube Aerocruiser |
Design and development
editThe Aerocruiser Plus features a "V" strut-braced high-wing, a four-seat enclosed cabin accessed by doors, fixed conventional landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]
The aircraft can be fitted with floats, wheels or skis.[1][2]
The aircraft is made with a welded 4130 steel tubing fuselage and a riveted 2024 aluminum wing. Its 32 ft (9.8 m) span wing employs a NACA 4412 airfoil, has an area of 161 sq ft (15.0 m2) and mounts flaps. The cabin width is 39 in (99 cm). The engine used on the prototype is a 180 hp (134 kW) Lycoming O-360 four-stroke powerplant.[1][2][3]
Operational history
editReviewers Roy Beisswenger and Marino Boric described the design in a 2015 review as "outback-friendly".[1][2]
By March 2017, one example, the prototype had been registered with Transport Canada.[4]
Specifications (Aerocruiser Plus)
editData from Bayerl, Tacke and the manufacturer[1][2][3]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: three passengers
- Length: 25 ft (7.6 m)
- Wingspan: 32 ft (9.8 m)
- Wing area: 160 sq ft (15 m2)
- Airfoil: NACA 4412
- Empty weight: 1,088 lb (494 kg)
- Gross weight: 2,200 lb (998 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 200 litres (44 imp gal; 53 US gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-360 four cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 180 hp (130 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed metal, fixed pitch
Performance
- Cruise speed: 120 mph (193 km/h, 104 kn)
- Stall speed: 47 mph (75 km/h, 40 kn)
- Rate of climb: 690 ft/min (3.5 m/s)
- Wing loading: 13.6 lb/sq ft (66.4 kg/m2)
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 94. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b c d e f Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 99. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b Saint-Georges, Richard. "L'Aerocruiser Plus En Quelques Lignes" (PDF). aviationnormanddube.com. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Transport Canada (31 March 2017). "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register". Retrieved 31 March 2017.