Photograph:
Stoddard Hamilton Sportsman VH-KVN (c/n 7269) taking-off from Wedderburn, NSW in 2013 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Two-plus-two light sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 157 kw (210 hp) Lycoming O-390 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.65 m (35 ft)
- Wingspan, wings folded: 2.59 m (8 ft 6 in)
- Length: 7.55 m (24 ft 8 in)
- Height: 2.86 m (9 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 12.16 m² (131 sq ft)
- Max speed: 299 km/h (186 mph)
- Cruising speed at 2,438 m (8,000 ft) at 75% power: 241 km/h (150 mph)
- Cruising speed at 2,438 m (8,000 ft) at 65% power: 233 km/h (145 mph)
- Stalling speed no flaps: 93 km/h (58 mph)
- Stalling speed full flaps: 77 km/h (48 mph)
- Rate of climb at max gross weight: 366 m/min (1,200 ft/min)
- Fuel capacity: 189 litres (41.6 Imp gals)
- Range at 65% power with VFR reserve: 1,027 km (638 miles)
- Empty weight: 640 kg (1,410 lb)
- Loaded weight [wheels]: 1,066 kg (2,350 lb)
- Loaded weight [floats]: 1,134 kg (2,500 lb)
History:
The GlaStar Sportsman, as it was initially known, has been described as the ideal small family, STOL, go anywhere aeroplane. Developed by Stoddard Hamilton, in recent times it has been marketed by Glasair Aviation. Of all metal construction, it can be built from a kit with a tailwheel, tricycle undercarriage, floats or skis, and examples have been fitted with Tundra tyres for rough field operations.
Engines usually fitted range from 134 kw (180 hp) to 157 kw (210 hp) and include the Lycoming O-360 series and the O-390 series. Engines recommended by the manufacturer include the Lycoming O-360-A4M, -A1A, -A1F6 and the IO-360-M1A, all of 134 kw (180 hp); and the IO-390 of 157 kw (210 hp), driving a 1.88 m (74 in) Hartzell constant-speed propeller for the O-360 series, and the 2.03 m (80 in) constant-speed Hartzell with the IO-360 and the IO-390. Overseas examples have been fitted with new diesel engines. A number have been built in this region and one VH-NKN (c/n 7298) was for a period in Tasmania fitted with floats.
A slightly re-designed variant of the Glastar was built in Germany by Symphony Aircraft. Production ceased at one stage butt was recommenced by a company known as Symphony Aircraft at Three Rivers in Quebec, Canada, the aircraft being fitted with a Lycoming O-320 engine in 2004. At that time work was progressing on fitting the type with a diesel engine and in 2005 development of a four-seat variant commenced, this being the Sportsman with seating for two adults and two children.