Fletcher Hercules
| Hercules | |
|---|---|
| Role | Ultralight trike |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Fletcher's Ultralights |
| Designer | AW Harrison |
| Status | Production completed |
| Number built | 25 (February 2000) |
The Fletcher Hercules is an American two-seat ultralight trike that was designed by AW Harrison and produced by Fletcher's Ultralights of Turlock, California, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction and was also available as a completed aircraft.[1][2][3]
Design and development
The Hercules was designed as a lightweight single-seat aircraft, with a second seat available to carry an instructor or passenger when required. Because it was intended to be flown solo most of the time it came factory-supplied with a relatively low powered engine, to reduce both the aircraft's cost and weight. Higher powered engines were available if the aircraft was to be used in the training role on a regular basis.[1]
In writing about the Hercules, reviewer Andre Cliche explained the engine choice, "Because most people usually fly alone in their two-seater, it makes for a well balanced single seater with peppy performance, low fuel burn and longer range. However, when comes the time to carry an occasional passenger, its two-seater capacity far outweighs its anemic performance with two people aboard. This is a smart compromise that gives the best of both worlds."[1]
The Hercules was designed to comply with the US
The aircraft is made from bolted-together
The aircraft has an acceptable installed power range of 35 to 80 hp (26 to 60 kW). The standard engine supplied was the twin cylinder
Due to its off-airport capabilities the Hercules was nicknamed "the jeep of trikes". It is noted for its ease of set-up and repair. Twenty-five had been completed and flown by February 2000.[2]
Variants
- Hercules Cruiser
- Version marketed circa 1998 with 35 hp (26 kW) Cuyuna UL II-02 engine[3]
- Hercules Cross Country
- Version marketed circa 1998 with 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine[3]
Specifications (version)
Data from Cliche and Kitplanes[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Length: 9 ft (2.7 m)
- Wingspan: 34 ft (10 m)
- Height: 10 ft (3.0 m)
- Wing area: 190 sq ft (18 m2)
- Empty weight: 254 lb (115 kg)
- Gross weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × two-stroke, 35 hp (26 kW)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 40 mph (64 km/h, 35 kn)
- Stall speed: 28 mph (45 km/h, 24 kn)
- Range: 85 mi (137 km, 74 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m)
- Rate of climb: 400 ft/min (2.0 m/s)
References
- ^ ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
- ^ a b c d e Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, page 45. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
- ^ ISBN 0-9636409-4-1