GA-1 Celstar
Role Glider
National origin South Africa
Manufacturer Celair (Pty) Limited
Designer Pieter Celliers
First flight 1989
Status Production completed
Number built At least eight

The Celair GA-1 Celstar is a South African mid-wing, single-seat, aerobatic glider that was designed by Pieter Celliers and produced by his company, Celair (Pty) Limited.[1]

Design and development

The GA-1 was especially intended for flying competitive glider aerobatics and the resulting airframe was designed to Joint Aviation Requirements 22 standards and stressed to 10 g.[1]

The aircraft is made from a combination of fibreglass and aramid. Its 11.2 m (36.7 ft) span wing employs a Wortmann FX-71-L-150/25 airfoil. The ailerons are full-span and mass-balanced. Dive brakes are used for approach control.[1][2]

At least eight were produced, with two exported to Switzerland and six to the United States.[3]

Operational history

In August 2011 there were two GA-1s registered in the US with the Federal Aviation Administration. US-registered aircraft are in the Experimental - Racing/Exhibition category.[4]

Specifications (GA-1)

Data from Sailplane Directory[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 11.2 m (36 ft 9 in)
  • Wing area: 11.54 m2 (124.2 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 10.9:1
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX-71-L-150/25
  • Empty weight: 265 kg (584 lb)
  • Gross weight: 385 kg (849 lb)

Performance

  • g limits: +/-10g
  • Maximum glide ratio: 25:1
  • Rate of sink: 0.89 m/s (175 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 33.36 kg/m2 (6.83 lb/sq ft)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Activate Media (2006). "GA-1 Celstar Celair". Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  2. ↑ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  3. ↑ Staff (December 1990). "Celstar Export Makes History". Flight International. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  4. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 10 August 2011.
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