InterPlane Griffon

The InterPlane Griffon is a single seat, high wing, single engine, pusher configuration, tricycle gear ultralight aircraft, that was produced in kit form from InterPlane Aircraft of Zbraslavice, Czech Republic.[1][2][3]

Griffon
Role Ultralight aircraft
National origin Czech Republic
Manufacturer InterPlane Aircraft
Introduction 1992
Status Production completed
Number built 15 (1998)

Development

The Griffon was the first design produced by InterPlane when they opened for business in 1992. The Griffon was designed for the requirements of the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category, including that category's maximum 254 lb (115 kg) empty weight.[1][2][3]

The Griffon airframe is constructed from aluminum tubing, with the wings and tail covered with doped aircraft fabric. The wing is supported by a "V" strut and utilizes jury struts. It features a three tube tail that allows the pusher propeller to be located in between the tail booms. Standard features supplied included brakes, electric starting, wheel pants, elevator trim system and a plastic cockpit pod fairing with a windshield. The wings and tail surfaces can be folded for trailering or storage.[1][2]

Available engines included the 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 and the 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503.[1][2]

Variants
Griffon
Basic version equipped with 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447, empty weight 254 lb (115 kg).[2]
Griffon EX
Deluxe version equipped with 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503, empty weight 342 lb (155 kg).[1][2]

Specifications (Griffon EX)

Data from Aerocrafter & Cliche[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 18 ft 9 in (5.72 m)
  • Wingspan: 32 ft 11 in (10.03 m)
  • Height: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
  • Wing area: 150.3 sq ft (13.96 m2)
  • Empty weight: 342 lb (155 kg)
  • Gross weight: 606 lb (275 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 US gallons (19 litres)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder two-stroke aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 87 mph (140 km/h, 76 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 59 mph (95 km/h, 51 kn)
  • Stall speed: 30 mph (48 km/h, 26 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 90 mph (140 km/h, 78 kn)
  • Range: 124 mi (200 km, 108 nmi)
  • Rate of climb: 1,181 ft/min (6.00 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 4.0 lb/sq ft (20 kg/m2)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 181. BAI Communications. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
  2. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-27 Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  3. InterPlane (2008). "About InterPlane". Retrieved 2009-10-10.


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