Fisher Avenger Explained
The Avenger is a single-seat, Canadian low-wing, tractor configuration ultralight aircraft. The Avenger was introduced in 1994 and is available as a kit or as plans from Fisher Flying Products.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Fisher Flying Products was originally based in Edgeley, North Dakota, United States, but relocated to Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.[5] [6] [7]
Development
The Avenger was designed to meet the requirements of the United States FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations, including the maximum 2540NaN0 empty weight. Design goals included low cost, an attractive appearance, and accommodation for a 760NaN0 tall, 2400NaN0 pilot.[3]
Although originally designed to accept the Half VW powerplant (a Type 1 Volkswagen engine block cut in half), the aircraft empty weight can be reduced to 2500NaN0 with the use of a lighter weight engine, such as the 280NaN0 Rotax 277 or the 350NaN0 2SI 460-35. The Avenger was initially marketed with the now-discontinued Rotax 277 engine,[5] which was criticized as leaving the aircraft dangerously underpowered.[3]
Reviewer Andre Cliche says:
Design
The Avenger structure is entirely constructed from wood, with a low wing braced to the landing gear. The wooden-framed wing is covered with aircraft fabric. The engine cowling is fibreglass. The conventional landing gear features a steerable tailwheel and main-gear suspension.[2] [3]
The cockpit has a removable canopy.[5]
The Avenger has an estimated construction time of 400 hours from the kit.[3] [8]
In 2022 the kit price (without paint, varnish, pilot/passenger restraints, instruments, upholstery, or engine) was US$9320, with the plans selling for US$350.[6] [7] [9]
Recommended engines include the 500NaN0 Rotax 503, 400NaN0 Rotax 447, 350NaN0 2SI 460-35 or 380NaN0 1/2 VW.[5] [7]
Operational history
In December 2004, the company reported that 50 Avengers were flying, the majority as US unregistered ultralights.[4]
Variants
- Avenger
With a regular firewall for two-stroke engines. Engine options are 400NaN0 Rotax 447, 500NaN0 Rotax 503, or 280NaN0 Hirth F-33 or 350NaN0 2SI 460-35. Thirty-five had been completed and flown by the end of 2011.[1] [2] [3] [5] [6] [7]
- Avenger V
With a 2" narrower firewall to accommodate VW engines. Engines include the 380NaN0 1/2 VW and the 650NaN0 Volkswagen air-cooled engine. Thirty had been completed and flown by the end of 2011.[1] [2] [3] [5] External links
Notes and References
- Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 53. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- Kitplanes Staff: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 70. Primedia Publications. IPM 0462012
- Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-7. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001.
- Downey, Julia: Kit Aircraft Directory 2005, Kitplanes, Volume 21, Number 12, December 2004, page 58. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- Web site: Flying The Avenger. live. 16 February 2022. Fisher Flying Products. n.d. . https://web.archive.org/web/20080512020248/http://www.fisherflying.com/fleet/TheAvenger/ . 2008-05-12.
- Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 101. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 107. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015.
- Web site: Specs & Performance . 2009-08-01. Fisher Flying Products. n.d. . https://web.archive.org/web/20080503091543/http://www.fisherflying.com/fleet/TheAvenger/specs.php . 2008-05-03.
- Web site: SINGLE PLACE AIRCRAFT 2022/2023 PRICE LIST. Fisher Flying Products. 2022–2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20080503091552/http://www.fisherflying.com/fleet/pricelist/index.php . 2008-05-03.
