Hy-Tek Hurricane 103 Explained
The Hy-Tek Hurricane 103 is a family of single-engined, high wing tricycle gear-equipped aircraft that were available in kit form from Hy-Tek Hurricane of Aurora, Oregon.[1] [2] [3]
The Hurricane 103 and Ultra 103 designs are intended to have empty weights under 2540NaN0 and fit into the US FAR 103 ultralight category. The remaining designs are heavier and fit into the US Experimental - Amateur-built category.
Development
The Hurricane was originally developed as a clone of the Phantom X1 design by Jack Britton in the late 1980s and marketed under the name Avenger. Following Britton's death the design was acquired by Donnie Eccker who marketed it as the Hurricane. The aircraft was introduced to the market in 1991 and benefited from the end of production of the Phantom that same year. As a result of the timing, the quality of the kits produced and the low price, the aircraft quickly achieved market success.
In 1996 the rights to the design along with the tooling were sold to Hy-Tek. The aircraft is no longer in production.
Design
As a copy of the Phantom X1, the Hurricane family shares its construction. The wings, tail and fuselage are constructed of anodized aluminum tubing, bolted together. The wings and tail surfaces are covered with Dacron envelopes. The wings are supported by cable-bracing from an inverted V-kingpost. The cockpit fairing, or pod, is made from fibreglass. The aircraft features tricycle landing gear. The engine is mounted on the front of the main tube, the tail being mounted on the far end of the same tube.
The kit takes 80-100 hrs to assemble.
Variants
- Hurricane 103
Named for its FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles compliant empty weight of 2520NaN0, wingspan of 282NaN2, semi-symmetrical airfoil, standard engine is the 400NaN0 Rotax 447.
- Ultra 103
Named for its FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles compliant empty weight of 2500NaN0, wingspan of 282NaN2, flat bottomed high-lift airfoil, standard engine is the 400NaN0 Rotax 447.
- Hurricane HP Clipwing
Two foot shorter wingspan of 262NaN2, empty weight of 2750NaN0 puts it in the US Experimental-Amateur-built category, semi-symmetrical airfoil, tested to +8/-6 g, standard engine is the 500NaN0 Rotax 503.
- Hurricane Hauler
Wingspan of 282NaN2, empty weight of 2850NaN0 puts it in the US Experimental-Amateur-built category, wider cockpit for larger pilots, tested to +8/-6 g, standard engine is the 500NaN0 Rotax 503, with the 640NaN0 Rotax 582 and 600NaN0 HKS 700E four stroke as options.
- Hurricane II
Two seats in side-by-side seating configuration, with dual controls and dual throttles, sold as an ultralight trainer. The wing is wire-braced from a kingpost. Empty weight of 3000NaN0, wingspan of 302NaN2 and wing area of 152 sq ft, covered in pre-sewn Dacron envelopes. The wing is fitted with flaps and the elevator features a trim system. The standard engine is the 500NaN0 Rotax 503.External links
Notes and References
- Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, pages B-32 and B85. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001.
- Downey, Julia: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 52. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 179. BAI Communications.
