La Mouette Sphinx
| Sphinx | |
|---|---|
| Role | Hang glider |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | La Mouette |
| Status | In production |
The La Mouette Sphinx is a French high-wing, single-place and two-place family of hang gliders, designed and produced by La Mouette of Fontaine-lès-Dijon.[1]
Design and development
[edit]The Sphinx is described by the manufacturer as "a beginner glider with a single surface and a floating crossbar".[1][2]
The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with the single-surface wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. All models have a nose angle of 120°.[1][2]
Variants
[edit]- Sphinx
- Single-place model for a wide range of pilot weights. Its wing area is 15.10 m2 (162.5 sq ft), wingspan is 9.9 m (32.5 ft) and the aspect ratio is 5.9:1. Empty weight is 27 kg (60 lb) and the pilot hook-in weight range is 50 to 95 kg (110 to 209 lb). The aircraft can be folded to a package 4.10 m (13.45 ft) in length for ground transportation or storage.[1][2]
- Sphinx Bi
- Large-size model for two-place flight training and familiarization. Its wing area is 20.0 m2 (215 sq ft), wingspan is 10.8 m (35.4 ft) and the aspect ratio is 5.8:1. Empty weight is 34.5 kg (76 lb) and the pilot hook-in weight range is 90 to 190 kg (198 to 419 lb). Swiss SHV certified. The manufacturer describes this model as "one of the most efficient two-seaters on the market, it is conceived to realize cross-country with a passenger."[1][2]
Specifications (Sphinx)
[edit]Data from Bertrand and La Mouette[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 9.9 m (32 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 15.0 m2 (161 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 5.9:1
- Empty weight: 27 kg (60 lb)
- Gross weight: 117 kg (258 lb)
Performance
- Wing loading: 7.8 kg/m2 (1.6 lb/sq ft)