Hipp's Superbirds J-3 Kitten Explained

The Hipp's Superbirds J-3 Kitten and related designs are a family of single-engined, single seat, high wing conventional landing gear-equipped aircraft available in kit form or as plans from Hipp's Superbirds of Saluda, North Carolina.[1] [2] [3] [4]

The J-3, J-4 and Reliant designs are intended to have empty weights under 2540NaN0, and fit into the US ultralight category. The remaining designs are heavier and fit into the US Experimental - Amateur-built category.

Design and development

The Hipp's J-3, J-5 and Reliant are all very similar aircraft developed from the original J-4, and differing only in fuselage design and wingspan.

All aircraft in the series have a 4130 steel tube fuselage and tail assembly. The wings are built from wood, and both the fuselage and wings are covered with doped aircraft fabric. The engine cowlings are composite. Floats and skis are available. Construction times are estimated as 300 hours from the kit and 800 hours from plans.

The wings of all the aircraft in the series are detachable for transport or storage.

The aircraft in the series are described by reviewer Andre Cliche as being "docile, predictable and forgiving aircraft that can be handled safely by novice pilots."

Operational history

The Reliant was first displayed at Oshkosh in 1987 where it received the Grand Champion and Charles Lindbergh awards.

Variants

J-3 Kitten
  • Enclosed cockpit with cut-down rear turtle deck, standard empty weight 2500NaN0, wingspan of 302NaN2, standard engine Rotax 277 of 280NaN0. First flight 1986.
    J-4 Sportster
  • Open cockpit parasol wing with flat rear turtle deck, standard empty weight 2420NaN0, wingspan of 282NaN2, standard engine Rotax 277 of 280NaN0. First flight 1986.
    J-5 Super Kitten
  • Enclosed cockpit with cut-down rear turtle deck, standard empty weight 2500NaN0, wingspan of 302NaN2, standard engine Rotax 447 of 400NaN0. First flight 1986. Includes extra fuel, landing gear shock absorbers, wheel pants and brakes.
    Super Sportster
  • Open cockpit parasol wing with flat rear turtle deck, standard empty weight 2600NaN0, wingspan of 282NaN2, standard engine Rotax 447 of 400NaN0. First flight 1986.
    Reliant
  • Enclosed cockpit with fast-back rear turtle deck, standard empty weight 2540NaN0, wingspan of 302NaN2, standard engine Rotax 277 of 280NaN0. First flight 1987.
    Reliant SX
  • Enclosed cockpit with fast-back rear turtle deck, standard empty weight 2850NaN0, wingspan of 302NaN2, standard engine Rotax 447 of 400NaN0. Includes extra fuel, landing gear shock absorbers, and wheel pants. First flight 1987.

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-31. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001.
    2. Downey, Julia: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 51. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
    3. Downey, Julia: 2008 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007, page 54-55. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
    4. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 175-176. BAI Communications.

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