Photograph:
Amethyst Falcon 19-3334 (c/n 2) with a Jabiru 2200 engine at Caboolture, QLD (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Australia
Description:
Single-seat light sport aircraft
Power Plant:
One 37 kw (50 hp) Rotax 503UL-2V two-cylinder, two-stroke, fan-cooled electronic dual-ignition engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 5.48 m (18 ft)
- Length: 4.8 m (15 ft 8 in)
- Max speed: 189 km/h (117 mph)
- Cruising speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)
- Max manoeuvring speed: 169 km/h (105 mph)
- Fuel capacity: 39 kg (85 lb)
- Range: 650 km (404 miles)
- Empty weight: 180 kg (397 lb)
- Loaded weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
History:
Designed by Eric Whitney to CAO 95.10 Regulations in the mid-1990s, the Falcon was a single-seat light sport aircraft powered by a Rotax 503 engine, but larger engines in the Rotax and Jabiru range could be installed. It was aimed to be built by anyone reasonably skilled and was aimed at the low-cost, first time construction, aeroplane market, stress calculations being carried out by W ‘Bill’ Whitney.
The prototype, built in Brisbane, was first flown in 2005 and since then at least one further example has been completed by Bill Knight, this being built at Nerang, QLD.
The aircraft’s wing was of single metal spar with riveted metal ribs, being of NACA 2412 section constant chord throughout. The fuselage was of welded tubular steel truss construction and the tail was welded tubular steel, doubly externally braced, and the aircraft was fabric covered. The engine cowling and wing tips were built of fibreglass. Load factors are +6/-3 G. Wheels were 35.5 cm (14 in) for rough field operations.
The aircraft was available in plans form for the amateur constructor. After some testing the Rotax 503 engine was replaced with a 582, the aircraft being registered under RAA Regulations as 19-3334 (c/n 2). Another, described as a Whitney Amethyst Falcon, was registered as 10-1932 (c/n 1) but was withdrawn from service in September 1999.