Fisher Avenger

The Avenger is a single-seat, Canadian low-wing, tractor configuration ultralight aircraft. The Avenger was introduced in 1994 and is available as a kit or as plans from Fisher Flying Products.[1][2][3][4]

Avenger
Role Kit aircraft
National origin Canada
Manufacturer Fisher Flying Products
First flight 1994
Introduction 1994
Status Kits in production
Number built 65 (December 2011)[1]

Fisher Flying Products was originally based in Edgeley, North Dakota, USA but the company is now located in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.[2][3][5][6][7]

Development

The Avenger was designed to meet the requirements of the United States FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles, including the maximum 254 lb (115 kg) empty weight. Design goals included low-cost, an aesthetically attractive look and accommodation for a 76 in (193 cm) tall, 240 lb (109 kg) pilot.[3]

Although originally designed to accept the 1/2 VW powerplant the aircraft can achieve an empty weight as low as 250 lb (113 kg) with the use of a lighter weight engine, such as the 28 hp (21 kW) Rotax 277 or the 35 hp (26 kW) 2SI 460-35. The Avenger was initially marketed with the now-discontinued Rotax 277 engine, but the use of this engine has been criticized as leaving the aircraft underpowered.[3][5]

Reviewer Andre Cliche says:

The Avenger is an experimental-class design that has been re-engined to fall under the ultralight regulations. For this purpose, a 28 hp Rotax 277 has been installed, thus allowing the weight to get lower than the 254 lbs. upper limit imposed on ultralights. This is technically feasible but the switch from a VW engine to a single cylinder Rotax also reduces the performance below a safe level. The rated 400 fpm rate of climb is barely adequate for safe operations. Put this machine in the wrong situation and it can bite you.[3]

Design

The Avenger structure is entirely constructed from wood, with a low wing braced to the landing gear. The wooden-framed wing is covered with aircraft fabric. The engine cowling is fibreglass. The conventional landing gear features a steerable tailwheel and main-gear suspension.[2][3]

The cockpit features an optional removable canopy.[5]

The Avenger has an estimated construction time of 400 hours from the kit.[3][8]

In 2015, the kit price (without paint, varnish, pilot/passenger restraints, instruments, upholstery, engine, engine mount or propeller) was US$5999, with the plans selling for US$300.[6][7][9]

Recommended engines include the 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503, 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447, 35 hp (26 kW) 2SI 460-35 or 38 hp (28 kW) 1/2 VW.[5][7]

Operational history

In December 2004, the company reported that 50 Avengers were flying, the majority as US unregistered ultralights.[4]

Variants
Avenger
With a regular firewall for two-stroke engines. Engine options are 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447, 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503, or 28 hp (21 kW) Hirth F-33 or 35 hp (26 kW) 2SI 460-35. Thirty-five had been completed and flown by the end of 2011.[1][2][3][5][6][7]
Avenger V
With a 2" narrower firewall to accommodate VW engines. Engines include the 38 hp (28 kW) 1/2 VW and the 65 hp (48 kW) Volkswagen air-cooled engine. Thirty had been completed and flown by the end of 2011.[1][2][3][5]

Specifications (Avenger with Rotax 503)

Data from Cliche,[3] KitPlanes[2] and Fisher Flying Products[8]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 16 ft 3 in (4.96 m)
  • Wingspan: 27 ft 0 in (8.24 m)
  • Height: 5 ft 0 in (1.53 m)
  • Wing area: 121 sq ft (11.25 m2)
  • Empty weight: 280 lb (127 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 fixed pitch, 50 hp (37 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 95 mph (154 km/h, 83 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 80 mph (130 km/h, 70 kn)
  • Stall speed: 28 mph (45 km/h, 24 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 4.95 lb/sq ft (24.2 kg/m2)
  • Power/mass: 12 lb/hp (0.11 kW/kg)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 53. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  2. Kitplanes Staff: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 70. Primedia Publications. IPM 0462012
  3. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-7. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  4. Downey, Julia: Kit Aircraft Directory 2005, Kitplanes, Volume 21, Number 12, December 2004, page 58. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  5. Fisher Flying Products (n.d.). "Flying The Avenger & Avenger V". Archived from the original on 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
  6. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 101. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  7. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 107. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  8. Fisher Flying Products (n.d.). "Specs & Performance". Archived from the original on 2008-05-03. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
  9. Fisher Flying Products. "The Fisher Flying Price List". Archived from the original on 2008-05-03. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
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