Performance and System Limitations
Contents
Flight Performance
| Parameter | Specification Carbureted | Specification EFI |
|---|---|---|
| Max Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTOW) | 180 lbs / 81.64 kg | 180 lbs / 81.64 kg |
| Payload Weight | 30 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 63 lbs (10.5 gal) | 63 lbs (10.5 gal) |
| Endurance | 7.8 - 9 hr* | 12.6 - 15.75 hr* |
| Range | ~491 - 567 miles | ~797 - 996 |
| RF Range | ~25 miles** | ~25 miles** |
| Fuel Consumption | 7 - 8 lbs/hr (1.2-1.4 gal/hr) | ~4 - 5 lbs/hr (0.66 - 0.83 gal/hr) |
| Cruise Airspeed | 55 kts | 55 kts |
| Max Airspeed | 78 kts | 78 kts |
| Min Airspeed | 42 kts | 42 kts |
| Climb Rate | 500 fpm | 500 fpm |
| Descent Rate | 400 fpm | 400 fpm |
| Operating RPM Range | 2,500 - 6,500 RPM | v2,500 - 6,500 RPM |
| Avionics Battery Voltage | 6.6V - 8.4V | 36v - 50.4V |
- *Flight performance and endurance are affected by diverse factors. Environmental elements like temperature, altitude, humidity, and wind, alongside factors like payloads, power requirements, external components, fuel quality, and battery age, collectively impact flight time and performance.
- **Radio range is affected by diverse factors. Environmental elements like terrain, interference, and atmospheric conditions, alongside factors like antenna gain, placement, and type, and radio power collectively impact RF range and link performance.
Takeoff and Landing Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Takeoff | Conventional |
| Landing | Conventional |
| Runway Length* | 2,500 ft |
| Rotation Speed | 37 kts |
*The distance required for takeoff is affected by diverse factors such as the runway surface, takeoff weight, environmental conditions, and flap settings.
Environmental
Unmanned aircraft are more susceptible to adverse weather than their manned counterparts due to their relative size. Although turbulence occurs in both large and small planes, it is typically worse in smaller planes because they weigh less, and thus more likely to be moved around. Winds at altitude are usually stronger than what is felt on the ground. It is crucial to obtain a weather briefing or forecast before each flight.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 0 - 120°F |
| Density Altitude - Takeoff/Landing | 10,000 ft |
| Wing Limit | 25 kts |
| Precipitation | up to 0.25" |
| Humidity | 95% non-condensing |
| Icing | Not Approved |
| Lightning | >25 miles |
| Saltwater Spray | Minimize Exposure |
| Dust & Sand | Minimize Exposure |
Operating near environmental limits, such as density altitude and surface winds, may require carrying less fuel or a reduction in payload capacity.
Density altitude takes into account the fact that as altitude increases, the air becomes less dense, which affects an aircraft's lift, engine performance, and overall aerodynamic behavior. Temperature also plays a role in air density; warmer air is less dense than cooler air at the same pressure. This means that at a specific altitude, if the temperature is significantly higher than standard, the density altitude will be higher than the actual physical altitude, impacting aircraft performance as if it were flying at a higher elevation.
Prohibited Maneuvers
- Takeoff or landing with any tailwind
- Flight into known icing conditions
- Flight into known lightning within 25 miles