Hatherleigh CAVOK explained
The
Hatherleigh CAVOK is a
Swiss mid-wing, single-seat
motor glider that was produced by Heatherleigh Consulting of
Bussigny-près-Lausanne, first flying on 13 December 2001.
[1] [2] [3] The aircraft's name is a common aviation meteorology abbreviation meaning Ceiling And Visibility OK and implying good flying weather.[4]
Design and development
The CAVOK project began in the middle of 2000. The primary development model was the CAVOK 10, with a wingspan of 111NaN1, extendable to 151NaN1 with wing tip extensions. The design goals for the aircraft included maximizing performance for the price, compliance with JAR 22 rules for standard class sailplanes and also European ultralight category rules, including French ULM regulations. Certification was also intended to JAR-VLA standards for countries that lack an ultralight category.[5]
The aircraft is built from fibreglass and features a fixed, fuselage-mounted, single-cylinder, two-stroke Gas Gas motorcycle engine, driving a retractable two-bladed fixed-pitch tractor propeller. The engine can be started and run before extending and engaging the propeller. The wing features flaperons and, unlike most other aircraft in this category, lacks wing-mounted air brakes, the brake being fuselage mounted. The landing gear consists of fixed nose, centre and tail wheels along with auxiliary wheels 5.51NaN1 out on the wing from the fuselage. The aircraft is finished in white polyurethane paint.[6]
The aircraft was designed for quick assembly and disassembly by one person without assistance, as no part weighs over 250NaN0. The aircraft is normally transported by towed trailer.[7]
The last news release the company put out, on 14 December 2002, indicated that development work had been delayed, but was underway at that time. The company website had been removed by 2005 and it is likely that only prototypes were completed and flown.[8]
External links
Notes and References
- Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 57. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- Web site: Technical Data. 21 October 2011. Heatherleigh Consulting. October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20050217084517/http://fly-cavok.com/10eng011.htm . 17 February 2005.
- Web site: Dec. 13, 01: We have the good news! CAVOK 10 is flying ... very nicely, that is!. 21 October 2011. Heatherleigh Consulting. October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20050207033223/http://fly-cavok.com/10eng020.htm . 7 February 2005.
- Web site: TP 14371 - Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM) 3.6 Abbreviations – Aviation Forecasts. 21 October 2011. Transport Canada. October 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20111031083839/http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp14371-met-3-0-2589.htm#3-6. 31 October 2011.
- Web site: A New Concept. 21 October 2011. Heatherleigh Consulting. October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20050217084552/http://fly-cavok.com/10eng010.htm . 17 February 2005.
- Web site: New Features. 21 October 2011. Heatherleigh Consulting. October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20050217085420/http://fly-cavok.com/10eng013.htm . 17 February 2005.
- Web site: Our Customers. 21 October 2011. Heatherleigh Consulting. October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20050217085340/http://fly-cavok.com/10eng014.htm . 17 February 2005.
- Web site: New Release of Dec. 14, 02: Progress Report. 21 October 2011. Heatherleigh Consulting. October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20050207033810/http://fly-cavok.com/10eng021.htm . 7 February 2005.