| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"Eagle"General Information.
Eagle project was started in 2002. The main idea was to create a modern conception of a trike chassis for Experimental Amateur Built Weight-Shift control aircraft:
Air Trikes Ent. sells now 3 different Eagle trike set of plans Solo, 2-place for powerful auto-moto 4-stroke engine conversion (New Eagle-GEO) and Universal 1-2-3 placer for 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine. We also sell components to build Eagle trikes, as well as ready to fly trikes. Some pictures below: Eagles built or tested/sent to new owners in 2015, Air Trikes Sun n'Fun booth 2015.
A little more Eagle "history". As a source of this project I have taken Moscow trike created by the first hangglider champion of USSR, Russian ULM Federation instructor and safety inspector Andrei Karetkin.
Eagle had some advantages comparatively with classical American trikes of this period. More strength Europeen-style triangle structure of the rear suspension. Folded mast makes the wing installation easier.
The compact layout provides excellent aerodynamics and keeps enough space that allows the installation of BRS, extra fuel, or luggage behind the pilot without aerodynamic penalties. Possibility to make and use it as a mono (legal FAR-103 ultralight) or two-seater (Light-Sport, EAB plane) layout, using different wings, powerplants, gas tanks, wheels etc., it is adjustable to all your wishes. Standard components from the US market (tubing 6061T6 and 7075T6, sheet metal, bolts and nuts), well thought-out design allows to modify, repair, or easy built it at home from plans or a kit, and also keep reasonable cost comparatively with European trikes. Excellent trike for beginners, low-and-slow flying fans, cross-county pilots and instructors.
Three different prototypes were built and tested before "Eagle" commercial production: Soaring solo version with a light engine. Even a hangglider wing with appropriate pilot weight (or enforced) can be adapted for this trike. Universal version with long seat base and shock-absorber wheel suspension can be made as a legal FAR-103 ultralight with cargo bag installation behind a pilot and any existed 2-stroke ultralight engine. The weight of my prototype (fork with suspension, wheel fairings, Rotax-503 with original belt redrive, 3-blade composite prop) is only 190lbs without a wing (80-90 lbs rolling shassis only). It can be easy converted (with passenger seat and belt installation) or built as a 2-seater (ultralight trainer, sport-plane, canadian basic 2-place ultralight). Another 2-place version of this prike especially calculated and designed for GEO-Suzuki 1liter engine installation. Full wheel suspension, hydraulic brake, wheel fairings, big beautiful instrument pod with a lot of space for gauges, 12 galloon light fiberglass gas tank, reliable 4-stroke injection engine with low gas consumation, possibility to install big (up to 72") diameter prop and instuctor's steering, and still very attractive price - main features of this trike. I didn't test but really enjoyed high performances and easy handling of this machine with my favourite X-14 wing. I was displaying Eagle at different airshows in the US and Canada, flew them solo and with students, worked to make them more attractive visually and reliable. Now I can sertanly say: trike pilots like its excellent performances and handling; my clients like its reasonable price; homebuilders like its easy to build design. Click HERE if you want to see the picture of one nice Eagle made in Italy from my plans. Look at more detailed pictures of different Eagle trikes from Air Trikes Enterprises below.
This Eagle=GEO with wide tires and 1300CC Suzuki engine is made and tested spring 2005 The trike is easy to control in flight, landings are extremely soft. Even more performanced aircraft than Eagle-GEO with 1 liter engine.
I use Eagles not only as "fun fly" and "school" trikes but also as "test platforms" for different engines. Trike with X-14 and G10 Turbo was tested Summer 2006. Engine standard
Turbo 1L (Canadian), not modified. MPFI with computer control system. No intercooler. All modifications I did drilled hole in the intake collector to lower max boost.
SPG-2 conversion system with 2.5 RR. 69 KOOLprop. I decided not using all available power so overpitched the prop +4 degrees together with boost decreasing.
Now about flying performances I got. I can feel the difference from the first second of giving full throttle. Takeoff is very short, climbing with extremely high angle.
I could see only my feet and sky, I felt - a little more and I would perform a loop. Some numbers:
This 3-seater Eagle was built in 2005 in Mumbai, India from plans. X-17 wing and 1.3L G13BB Suzuki engine with KOOLprop were used for this project. This trike was successfully tested at National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla. In 2006 they bought some SPG-2 conversion systems for Suzuki, propellers and wings to make more trikes.
Redesigned new Solo and GEO 2009 year modelsAlmost 100 trikes has been built by Air Trikes and our clients over the world to the end of 2008. Different engines, materials and components were used. There was even a small factory in India building Eagles there, including 3-place version. All this experience clearly showed - Eagle trike was a really successful project, useful for many trike builders and pilots. But there are ways to improve even a good aircraft. Solo trike was redesigned first in 2008, and the new chassis was made in 2009. Now Eagle-GEO (for Suzuki G10 and G13) is done. It is more builder friendly, plans are more detailed and prcised. Big tires, 100HP 4-stroke G13BB engine are standard. Testing Eagle trikes with G13BB, most of trike pilots said It was flying like a trike with 912S with better fuel economy and faster throttle responce. Yes - Fuel Injection system works more efficient than carburators on most "real" aviation engines. If you have 2-3 week time, basic tools & skills - spend about 10-12K$ and build E-AB trike flying like 50-60K$ 912-912S trikes. Sounds too good to be true? Try! My builders' support is included, parts available. Plans are made with AutoCad system and can be sent printed by regular mail with description (used materials, hardware etc). 3 different set of plans - Solo 2009, old Universal model for light engines (Rotax type), and new Eagle-GEO 2009 are available + 3-seater supplement.
Some pictures of Solo chassis. Click on thumbnails to see them:
Eagle-GEO G13BB Deluxe 2009 model
Specifications U.S. Metric
This trike is the last genertion of Eagle-GEO trikes. The reinforced structure (2.5"x 1/8" main tubes with
inside & outside sleeves) + 4 hydro-pneumatic shock absorbers. Large tires on solid aluminum casting rims with precise bearings. Chromoly steel front fork.
This chassis is able to sustain very bad landings and rough field runs! The trike is more compact, has higher clearance and looks taller than older Eagle model, but it has
exactly the same low height and CG. Fully loaded: hydraulic disc brake, gas shocks, foot and hand (cruise) throttle control,
full electric package (ignition lock, light battery, alternator and starter), 12.5 gallon tank with fuel pump inside, clear level tube and electrical
level sender, soft seats, side bags, trike + engine soft cover and prop blade covers.
Instructor steering can be added easy. Very soft and comfortable AEROS seats. 2-point adjustable aviation seatbelt system
can be easy conveted in 4-point system if necessary.
More detailed pictures below. One wheelpant was removed to show the wheel but the trike comes with 2 of them.
Can be made with Apogee 14 and 16, Aeros Profi, Profi TL, Still-17, Still-17 TL and other wings.
(Look for more info about these wings here. )
BRS 1050 can be installed.
Read FEEDBACK from some pilots and builders of our trikes. If you want Eagle trike quickly, check our COMPLETED TRIKES page. ... and more Eagle trikes flying.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
