Photograph:
The prototype AAK Flamingo during early testing at Taree, NSW (AAK)
Country of origin:
Australia
Description:
Two-seat light research aircraft
Power Plant:
One 60 kw (80 hp) Rotax 912S four-cylinder liquid-and-air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.25 m (33 ft 7 in)
- Height: 2.1 m (6 ft 8 in)
- Wing area: 18.24 m² (196.33 sq ft)
- Max speed at sea level: 102 km/h (63 mph)
- Cruising speed at 75% power: 65 km/h (40 mph)
- Stalling speed full flaps: 31 km/h (20 mph)
- Rate of climb 45 to 71 km/h: (28 to 44 mph)
- Rate of climb with one person: 168 m (550 ft/min)
- Rate of climb with two persons: 107 m/min (350 ft/min)
- Range: 389 km (242 miles)
- Fuel capacity [standard]: 60 litres (13 Imp gals)
- Fuel capacity [optional]: 127 litres (28 Imp gals)
- Service ceiling: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
- Take-off distance [one person]: 60 m (197 ft)
- Landing distance: 30 m (98 ft)
- Empty weight: 280 kg (617 lb)
- Useful load: 260 kg (573 lb)
- Loaded weight: 540 kg (1,190 lb)
History:
Over the years Australian Aircraft Kits of Taree, NSW has carried out a lot of research and development work relating to slow speed flying of fixed wing aircraft, particularly light aircraft designed to operate from short airstrips on private properties. In this regard an airframe was built in 2015 –2016 called the Flamingo and it has been used to test changes to aerofoil sections, size profiles and control thrust lines of propellers in an attempt to reduce the minimum safe flying range of a light STOL aircraft to 37 km/h (23 mph).
Design parameters for the Flamingo included a stalling speed of 31.5 km/h (19.5 mph) and safe operation of the aircraft from 46 km/h (29 mph) to 83 km/h (52 mph). The prototype Flamingo was powered by a Rotax 912S engine, the aircraft having what was described as an open installation for the engine in order to provide good cooling for the unit. Various propeller combinations were tested including six Warp Drive units.
The Flamingo had a full metal airframe and responsive controls. It has been aimed at the market for a low acquisition cost aircraft, with low operating costs, low maintenance costs on the airframe, and all systems and parts were manufactured locally. It could be registered with the RAA or general aviation as VH-. The aircraft could be fitted with engines ranging in power up to 112 kw (150 hp). It had a rugged undercarriage designed for operations from rough terrain and wheel sizes ranged from 20 cm x 15 cm (8 in x 6 in) up to 74 cm x 15 cm (29 in x 6 in). It could be fitted with low-pressure heavy-duty brake systems. Snow skis could be fitted, and it could be fitted with hard-points for external cargo, and external and internal long-range tanks.
The Flamingo could be fitted with equipment for seeding operations, spreader bars, fence-post carrier compartments, auxiliary refuelling pump systems, mustering sirens and wailers, GPS tracking etc.