Celair GA-1 Celstar
| GA-1 Celstar | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | South Africa |
| Manufacturer | Celair (Pty) Limited |
| Designer | Pieter Celliers |
| First flight | 1989 |
| Status | Production completed |
| Number built | At least eight |
The Celair GA-1 Celstar is a South African mid-wing, single-seat, aerobatic glider that was designed by Pieter Celliers and produced by his company, Celair (Pty) Limited.[1]
Design and development
[edit]The GA-1 was especially intended for flying competitive glider aerobatics and the resulting airframe was designed to Joint Aviation Requirements 22 standards and stressed to 10 g.[1]
The aircraft is made from a combination of fibreglass and aramid. Its 11.2 m (36.7 ft) span wing employs a Wortmann FX-71-L-150/25 airfoil. The ailerons are full-span and mass-balanced. Dive brakes are used for approach control.[1][2]
At least eight were produced, with two exported to Switzerland and six to the United States.[3]
Operational history
[edit]In August 2011 there were two GA-1s registered in the US with the Federal Aviation Administration. US-registered aircraft are in the Experimental - Racing/Exhibition category.[4]
Specifications (GA-1)
[edit]Data from Sailplane Directory[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 11.2 m (36 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 11.54 m2 (124.2 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 10.9:1
- Airfoil: Wortmann FX-71-L-150/25
- Empty weight: 265 kg (584 lb)
- Gross weight: 385 kg (849 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn)
- Stall speed: 80 km/h (50 mph, 43 kn)
- g limits: +/-10g
- Maximum glide ratio: 25:1
- Rate of sink: 0.89 m/s (175 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 33.36 kg/m2 (6.83 lb/sq ft)
See also
[edit]Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Activate Media (2006). "GA-1 Celstar Celair". Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (December 1990). "Celstar Export Makes History". Flight International. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ https://www.sac.ca/index.php/en/free-flight-magazine-2/1980s/1989/151-ff1989-06/file
- ^ https://www.sac.ca/index.php/en/free-flight-magazine-2/1980s/1989/151-ff1989-06/file