New Carbon-Fiber Aerobat

Cascade Aircraft Development Company of Oregon (CADCOR) has commenced testing of a new, high performance, 2 place, carbon fiber, aerobatic aircraft called "the Chanute". The first flight in type was April 23, 2004. In the subsequent 30 days, CADCOR has logged 50 sorties evaluating flight characteristics in both the normal and unlimited aerobatic envelopes.

Initial indications are that the company will achieve their design goals from the number one aircraft forward including a roll rate in excess of 360 degrees per second, more than ten seconds of vertical penetration, a thrust to weight ratio less than 4.5 lbs/hp, excellent ground handling, and superior control. The aircraft incorporates several innovations, among which is a variable chord, constant hinge point, spadeless aileron which uses a L.E.A.F. (Leading Edge Alteration Form) to tailor the control feel to personal preferences. Other hallmark features include the "Cool Face" cowling; the disc-damped tailwheel; and the Oregon Aero/Paraphernalia/Acrobelt seating system. The prototype is powered by a LY-CON AEIO 540 with an MT 3 blade propeller.

Greg Cole Consulting of Bend (OR), designer of the multiple world record holding Sparrowhawk glider, is the project aerodynamicist. The prime subcontractor for the Chanute airframe is Composites Unlimited of Scappoose (OR). The construction process and structural evaluation utilized the FEMAP/NASTRANS software program for which the Chanute was featured in the September, 2003 edition of High Performance Composites. Flight testing is being conducted by Len Fox of L.A. Fox Unlimited, Bend (OR), an FAA DER Test Pilot and unlimited aerobatic competitor.

At the completion of testing, CADCOR plans to construct additional airframes which will be offered for sale in the experimental category later this year. The Chanute will be on display at Airventure 2004 in Oshkosh (WI) July 27 - August 2.

FMI: www.cadcor.com