The Onishi OSG3 is a 1970s Japanese single-seat motor glider, designed and built by Yuichi Onishi (大西勇一,Onishi Yuichi).[1] This was his second motor-glider design; the first being a high-wing monoplane, powered by a Subaru car engine, with which he made a 120 km (75 mi) flight between Chigasaki and Oshima Island in July 1970.[2][3]

OSG3
Role Single-seat powered sailplane
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Yuichi Onishi
First flight 1977
Number built 1

Design and development

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The OSG3 is unusual in being powered by six model aircraft engines, which are arranged along a transverse strut-braced boom near the front of the fuselage. Together, the six engines produce 7.5 kW (10.1 hp) for take-off, and 5.6 kW (7.5 hp) for cruising flight.[4] There are six throttle levers and also six cut-out switches for the engines.[4] The aircraft has a cantilevered monoplane wing, in a shoulder-wing position on the fuselage. The empennage has a T-tail configuration.[1][4]

Design of the OSG3 began in January 1976, with construction commencing in July of that year. By January 1977, the aircraft had been completed and taxiing trial conducted.[1]

Specifications

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Data from Jane's all the world's aircraft 1977-78[1] and Gliders & sailplanes of the world[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 6.50 m (21 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.60 m (47 ft 11 in)
  • Height: 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 17.2 m2 (185 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 11.6
  • Airfoil: Göttingen 535 modified
  • Empty weight: 65 kg (143 lb)
  • Gross weight: 135 kg (298 lb)
  • Powerplant: 6 × OS-60 FSR 10cc two-stroke glow plug engines, 1.12 kW (1.50 hp) each
  • Propellers: 2-bladed, 0.30 m (1 ft) diameter

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 39 km/h (24 mph, 21 kn)
  • Stall speed: 34 km/h (21 mph, 18 kn)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Taylor, John W. R.; Munson, Kenneth, eds. (1977). Jane's all the world's aircraft 1977-78. London: Jane's Yearbooks. pp. 500–501. ISBN 0354005510. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  2. ^ "「ヒコーキ野郎」大空語る 茅ケ崎「宇宙まつり」で講演会 (Lecture at Chigasaki Space Festival)". kanaloco.jp (in Japanese). Kanagawa Shimbun. 20 June 2018. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  3. ^ "Car Engine-Powered Plane Makes Flight". The Japan Times. 29 July 1970. p. 3. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Hardy, Michael (1982). Gliders & sailplanes of the world. London: Ian Allan Ltd. p. 162. ISBN 978-0711011526. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
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