Phoenix 103
Role Amateur-built aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Wings of Freedom
Status Production completed (2019)
Developed from Aero-Works Aerolite 103

The Wings of Freedom Phoenix 103 is an American amateur-built ultralight aircraft that was produced by Wings of Freedom of Hubbard, Ohio. When it was available it was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1]

In late 2019 the company website had been taken down and it is likely that production had ended.[2]

Design and development

The Phoenix 103 is based on the discontinued Aero-Works Aerolite 103. With a standard empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg), it was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). It features a strut-braced high-wing, a single-seat open cockpit with windshield, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in pusher configuration.[1]

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with its flying surfaces covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 26.8 ft (8.2 m) span wing has an area of 124 sq ft (11.5 m2). Its recommended engine power range is 28 to 50 hp (21 to 37 kW); standard engines used include the 50 hp (37 kW) two-stroke Hirth F-23. Construction time is estimated at 100 hours.[1]

Operational history

By December 2011, the manufacturer reported that ten of the aircraft had been completed and flown.[1]

Specifications (Phoenix 103)

Data from Kitplanes[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 17 ft (5.2 m)
  • Wingspan: 26.8 ft (8.2 m)
  • Wing area: 124 sq ft (11.5 m2)
  • Empty weight: 254 lb (115 kg)
  • Gross weight: 650 lb (295 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Hirth F-23 twin cylinder, horizontally-opposed, two stroke aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed composite

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kn)
  • Stall speed: 28 mph (45 km/h, 24 kn)
  • Range: 100 mi (160 km, 87 nmi)
  • Rate of climb: 1,100 ft/min (5.6 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 5.2 lb/sq ft (25 kg/m2)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Vandermeullen, Richard: 2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 76. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  2. ↑ Wings of Freedom. "Wings of Freedom". www.wingsoffreedomaviation.com. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
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