The GYROBEE plays tag with a hot-air balloon

GYROBEE PERFORMANCE

Performance Specifications:

These are no-hype specifications based on extensive flight experience and documented with the Digipod instrument panel/digital flight recorder.

• Take-off Run: 600-800 ft. (Note 1)
• Minimum Level Flying Speed: 8-9 mph
• Best Climb Airspeed: 35 mph
• Cruise Airspeed: 45-50 mph
• Maximum Level Flight Airspeed: 60 mph
• Vne: not specified (Note 2)
• Maximum Rate-of-climb: 750 fpm (Note 3)
• Service Ceiling: not specified (Note 4)
• Flight Duration: 60 min (10 min. reserve)
• Flight Range: 45-50 miles (no wind, 10 min. reserve)

Note 1: Full load, no wind, no prerotator, grass surface. With the model engine prerotator, takeoff distance ranges from 300-400 feet (no wind).

Note 2: The aircraft has reached speeds of 75 mph in steep descents with no adverse handling. Since it is very difficult to fly it any faster, and assuming a 30 mph gust- loading factor, it does not seem that there is a meaningful Vne for this aircraft.

Note 3: Full-throttle (6350 rpm) with a standard (170 pound pilot under standard, sea-level conditions). Under typical conditions (hot, humid weather, at higher elevations and pilot weights in the 200-220 pound range, sustained rates of climb will average about 350-400 fpm.

Note 4: The aircraft has been flown past 6000 ft. MSL and still demonstrated satisfactory climb performance. The maximum service ceiling would appear to be about 7000 MSL and is limited by the Part 103 5-gallon fuel maximum.

Ralph E. Taggart (taggart@msu.edu)