Applebay Zia

The Applebay Zia is an American, single-seat, high-wing, twin-boom, pusher configuration motor glider that was designed by George Applebay for the 1982 Sailplane Homebuilders Association Homebuilt Sailplane Design Contest. The aircraft was intended to be offered as a factory completed aircraft or as a kit.[1][2]

Zia
Role Motor glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Applebay Sailplanes
Designer George Applebay
Introduction 1983
Status No longer in production
Number built 4

Design and development

Even though the Zia was designed for the 1982 Sailplane Homebuilders Association Homebuilt Sailplane Design Contest, it was withdrawn from the competition as it required changes during the contest period, which the rules prohibited. In fact the design that was to become the Zia went through six different configurations, starting as a canard.[2] The aircraft is named for the Zia people.

The Zia is constructed from fiberglass with a carbon fiber wing spar. The aircraft has fixed tricycle gear featuring wheel pants. The specified engine is the 28 hp (21 kW) Rotax 277 two-stroke, which is started with a manual recoil starter. The aircraft has flaps which deploy to 45° and retract anytime the flap handle is released, intentionally preventing the use of flaps and throttle at the same time. Fuel is 4 U.S. gallons (15 L) carried in the left wing root tank.[1][2]

The Zia was placed in series production in the fall of 1983 but only four were completed, including the prototype. The design was not type certified and all examples produced were registered in the Experimental category[2][3]

Operational history

In March 2011 there were still two Zias registered in the US, including one owned by the designer.[4]

Aircraft on display

Specifications (Zia)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 46 ft 0 in (14.02 m)
  • Wing area: 118 sq ft (11.0 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 18:1
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX 66-197
  • Empty weight: 400 lb (181 kg)
  • Gross weight: 650 lb (295 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 4 U.S. gallons (15 L)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 277 , 28 hp (21 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 25:1
  • Rate of sink: 120 ft/min (0.61 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 5.5 lb/sq ft (27 kg/m2)

See also

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "Zia Applebay". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 133. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  4. Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  5. US Southwest Soaring Museum (2010). "Sailplanes, Hang Gliders & Motor Gliders". Retrieved 26 May 2011.
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