Belite UltraCub powered by 1.2 VW aircraft engine, UltraCub legal part 103 ultralight by Belite Aircraft Sport Aviation Magazine. |
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UltraCub legal part 103 ultralight by Belite Aircraft |
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| Belite Aircraft's James Wiebe made the trip
down to Sun N Fun with his part 103 legal, single seat
ultralight aircraft. Over the past couple of years James has
brought a number of his craft down to the E.A.A.'s Sun N Fun
Convention, and went home with a number of awards including
Grand Champion Ultralight. This year James came down with
his new UltraCub. In the UltraCub James has a legal part 103 single seat ultralight aircraft, powered by a twin cylinder four stroke engine putting out 45 HP! To help meet the weight limit of 254 lbs. James purchased CNC equipment so that he could work in aluminum. Then he changed the fuselage construction of the Belite from a welded steel to aluminum match hole construction. This has cut costs considerably over the older fuselage that Jim was using which was welded 4130 chromoly. It has also reduced the weight of the UltraCub by 6 to 7 lbs! Jim reports that he has a number of builders who have been able to build the cabin area of the UltraCub in a little as two or three weekends. A removable turtle deck, which clips on just in front of the vertical fin and extends up to the trailing edge of the wing, is also available to give the UltraCub a more Cub like appearance. Another major change on the new UltraCub is that James is using a 1/2 VW aircraft engine conversion from Hummel Engines. According to sources there are well over 500 engines currently flying powered by the Hummel Engine conversion. The engine is also available from other sources or can be built from plans. The complete power plant comes in at 84 lbs and puts out 45 HP. A number of things stand out about the 1/2 VW conversion. Parts are readily available for it, it is probably the most low cost engine available for an ultralight aircraft, operating cost, it uses less than 2 gallons of fuel per hour. The engine can also be rebuilt quickly and easily by the owner. A second electronic ignition is available for those wanting it. Watching James fly the UltraCub at Sun N Fun take off distance was about 125 feet, climb looked to be about 500 feet per minute, and James indicates the UltraCub will fly along all day at 55 mph. Stall is down in the 25 mph range and is very gentle with the plane just mushing along. When stall does occur a simple releasing pressure on the stick brings the UltraCub back to flight. Another advantage of the UltraCub is that is has folding
wings for ease of storage, or trailering. |
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UltraCub legal part 103 ultralight by Belite Aircraft |
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UltraCub legal part 103 ultralight by Belite Aircraft |
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