The American Autogyro Inc, formed in December 2002, is a division of Groen Brothers Aviation, designer and builder of larger autogyros. AAI's initial objective has been to develop stability augmentation and other safety features for existing autogyros.

AAI SPARROWHAWK

TYPE: Two-seat autogyro/kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Following incremental development on several testbeds, launched at AirVenture, Oshkosh, July 2003, when proof-of-concept vehicle N974J (flown February 2003) was displayed. Kit deliveries then scheduled to begin in late 2003, although stability augmentation kits for gyrocopters already flying were available from April 2003. Factory-complete aircraft also available; law enforcement/aerial patrol version (EJ22 engine) first flew in third quarter of 2003.

CUSTOMERS: Total of 28 sales by August 2003.

COSTS: Experimental category kit US$27,390; Light Sport Aircraft quick-assembly kit US$40,700 or US$46.200 flyaway; law enforcement version US$62,384, assembled and equipped (all 2003). Operating cost US$20 per huur (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Development aircraft based on RAF 2000 pod, but modified substantially with large all-moving rudder and fixed cruciform horizontal stabiliser with endplates. Rudder/stabiliser intersection in line with propeller boss for optimum dynamic stability, assisted by rudder self-centring springs.

SparrowHawk is unconnected with Canadian RAF company.

FLYING CONTROLS: Dual control sticks for roll and cyclic rotor control; rudder pedals also used for ground steering, in conjunction with differential braking.

STRUCTURE: Aluminium frame with glass fibre pod and honeycomb composites empennage; aluminium keel and mast; tubular steel landing gear; bonded metal rotor blades.

LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type with safety tailwheel; fixed. Cable-operated brakes Mainwheels 15 x 6.00.

POWER PLANT: One 110kW Subaru EJ22 flat-four driving a two-blade, fixed-pitch, carbon fibrepusher propeller and rotor prerotate drive. Fuel capacity 95 litres of which 87 litres are usable.

AVIONICS: Bendix/King or Micro-Air equipment to customer's choice.
Instrumentation: AMPtronics Skydat LCD instrument displays for all flight, rotor and engine functions.

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005

Technical data for Sparrowhawk Rotor diameter: 9.14m, fuselage length: 4.14m, height overall: 2.97m, max. take-off weight: 612kg, empty weight: 386kg, never-exceed speed: 185km/h, max cruising speed: 130km/h, max rate of climb at sea level: 152m/min, service ceiling: 3,050m, take-off run: 92-153m, take-off to 15m: 305m, landing from 15m: 92m, range at 75% power: 453km

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