Photograph:
An Anglin – AAW – Hipps J-4 Sportster (ultralightnews.com)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Single-seat light sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 21 kw (28 hp) Rotax 277 engine two-cylinder, two-stroke, geared, air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 9.14 m (30 ft)
- Length: 4.95 m (16 ft 2 in)
- Height: 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in)
- Cruising speed: 93 km/h (58 mph)
- Stalling speed: 39 km/h (24 mph)
- Fuel capacity: 19 litres (4.17 Imp gals)
- Rate of climb: 229 m/min (750 ft/min)
- Range: 278 km (173 miles)
- Ceiling: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
- Take-off roll: 15 m (50 ft)
- Landing roll: 122 m (400 ft)
- Empty weight: 109 kg (240 lb)
- Useful load: 117 kg (258 lb)
- Loaded weight: 227 kg (500 lb)
History:
The J-4 Sportster was designed by Jessie Anglin in the United States and produced by the Anglin Aircraft Company, making its first flight in 1986. It was similar in construction and performance to the J-3 Kitten, and was fitted with the same Rotax 277 geared engine but had a lighter empty weight, a parasol wing, a turtle deck rear fuselage and an open cockpit.
The J-4 won the Ultra-light Award at the 1984 Oshkosh meeting in Wisconsin, USA. The model was also licence-built, the design rights later being obtained by Hipp’s Superbirds of Saluda, North Carolina. It was available in plans only form.
The fuselage in the J-4 series of light aircraft was of 4130 welded steel tube with fabric covering, the wing being of wooden construction with either Stits or Ceconite covering.
In later years kits became available from Hipp’s Superbirds and the J-4 continued in production. In Australia it became available from AAW [Australian Aircraft Works] at Donvale, VIC and was modified to meet ANO 95.10.
A number of examples have been completed and registered under Australian RAA Regulations.