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Advanced Aviation Explorer

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Explorer
Role Ultralight homebuilt aircraft
Manufacturer Advanced Aviation
First flight 1990s
Developed from Maxair Drifter
Sport Flight Talon

The Advanced Aviation Explorer is a two-seat ultralight marketed for home building. It is a high-wing taildragger aircraft of pusher configuration with tandem seating.[1]

Design and development

The aircraft is a development of the Talon XP which in turn traces its linage to the Maxair Drifter. The Explorer has been produced by a number of companies and under a variety of names.[1]

The main advance over the Drifter is the Explorer's use of main wing struts and jury struts in place of cable bracing. Like all aircraft in this family they feature excellent visibility, especially from the front seat when the optional fibreglass cockpit pod is removed. As a result the design is often employed as a camera platform. It can be flown on floats and has been used for banner towing.[1]

Construction is of bolted aluminium tube, with the flying surfaces covered in pre-sewn Dacron envelopes. The kit takes about 150 hours to assemble.[1]

The standard engine is the Rotax 582 of 400 hp (298 kW), with the four-stroke 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912 optional.[1]

Specifications (Toucan)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 passenger

Performance

See also

Related development

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-109. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4