Grob Strato 2C
Strato 2C | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Grob G 850 Strato 2C based in Mindelheim-Mattsies | |
Role | High Altitude Research Aircraft |
Manufacturer | Grob Aircraft |
First flight | 31 March 1995 |
Status | Prototype only |
Number built | 1 |
The Grob Strato 2C was a German experimental high altitude research aircraft. Powered by two turbocharged
Development and design
In April 1992, the
In order to meet the requirement to operate at an altitude of 24,000 m (78,700 ft) for 48 hours,
Unlike the Egrett, which was powered by a single
Construction of the airframe moulds started mid-November 1992, with airframe construction beginning in April the following year, starting with the tailplane. The airframe was completed in 1994 and engine installation commenced.[1]
Operational history
The prototype first flew on 31 March 1995.[5] Costs overran, however, and the prototype, which was intended as a Proof of Concept aircraft with off the shelf equipment and a heavier wing structure than planned for the production aircraft,[6] was late and did not deliver the expected performance.[7] Despite setting a world altitude record for manned piston-engined aircraft of 18,552 m (60,897 ft) on 4 August 1995,[8] on its 29th and what turned out to be final flight, the programme was cancelled by the DLR in 1996.[9]
Specifications (Strato 2C)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Strato_2C.jpg/220px-Strato_2C.jpg)
Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000[10]
General characteristics
- Crew: 4
- Length: 23.98 m (78 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 56.5 m (185 ft 4 in)
- Height: 7.76 m (25 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 150 m2 (1,600 sq ft)
- Airfoil: DLR LH34[11]
- Empty weight: 6,650 kg (14,661 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 13,350 kg (29,432 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Teledyne Continental TSIOL-550, 300 kW (400 hp) each
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127gas generator
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.56
- Cruise speed: 500 km/h (310 mph, 270 kn) at 24,000 m (78,740 ft) [a]
- Range: 18,100 km (11,200 mi, 9,800 nmi) [a]
See also
Related development
- Grob/E-Systems/AlliedSignal Egrett
References
- a Estimated performance.
- ^ a b c d Taylor, 1996, p.173.
- ^ Jeziorski Flight International 31 January - 6 February 1996, p.66.
- ^ Galleithner 2004, p.552.
- ^ a b Bents et al. 1998, p.4.
- ^ Jeziorski Flight International 12–18 April 1995, p.16.
- ^ Taylor, 1999, p.152.
- ^ Jeziorski, Flight International 31 January - 6 February 1996, p.67.
- ^ Taylor, 1999, p.151.
- ^ Jeziorski, Flight International 10–16 July 1996, p.4.
- ^ Taylor, 1999, pp.151-152.
- ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
Bibliography
- Bents David J., Mockler, Ted, Maldonado, Jaime, Harp, James L.Jr., King, Joseph F. and Schmitz. Paul C. Propulsion System for Very High Altitude Subsonic Unmanned Aircraft . NASA/TM—1998-206636. Cleveland, Ohio: NASA Lewis Research Centre, April 1998
- Galleithner, Hans. "High Altitude Research Aircraft as Further Examples of the Application of the Fibre Composite Technology". Aeronautical Research in Germany: From Lilienthal Until Today . Ernst-Heinrich Hirschel, Horst Prem, Gero Madelung. New York: Springer-Verlag, 2004. ISBN 3-540-40645-X.
- Jeziorski, Andrzej. "Strato 2C takes flight but funds stay low". Flight International. 12–18 April 1995.
- Jeziorski, Andrzej. "High and Dry". Flight International. 31 January - 6 February 1996. pp. 66–67.
- Jeziorski, Andrzej. "DLR cancels Strato 2C contract". Flight International. 10–16 July 1996, p. 4.
- Taylor, M.J.H. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory: 1995/1997 Edition. London: Brassey's, 1996. ISBN 1-85753-198-1.
- Taylor, M.J.H. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory: 1999/2000 Edition. London: Brassey's, 1999. ISBN 1-85753-245-7.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)