Raj Hamsa X-Air Explained

The Raj Hamsa X-Air is an Indian, two-seat, high-wing, tricycle gear, tractor configuration, ultralight aircraft produced by Raj Hamsa Ultralights of Bangalore, Karnataka in kit form, for amateur construction.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Design and development

The X-Air started as a development of the Chotia Weedhopper redesigned to incorporate ailerons and an enclosed cabin. After initial production in Europe manufacturing was shifted to Raj Hamsa in India. In many countries the aircraft is known as the Rand Kar X-Air. In the USA it is sometimes referred to as the Light Wing X-Air. The aircraft was later developed into the more conventional X-Air Hanuman, which relocated the engine from the upper keel tube to the nose.[8]

The X-Air is built from bolted aluminium tubing, mated to a central welded steel cockpit cage. The wings and tail surfaces are covered in pre-sewn Dacron sailcloth envelopes. The aircraft is built around its keel, a large tube that runs from the high-mounted engine in the front to the tail in the back. The wings are supported by V-struts with jury struts. The landing gear incorporates oleo shock absorbers on all three wheels. The nosewheel is steerable and mainwheel brakes are standard. Dual controls are standard, but cockpit doors are optional. The cockpit has been criticized by reviewer Andre Cliche as "a bit difficult to access".

The X-Air can be fitted with either floats or skis. Engines from 50to can be fitted, provided they weigh under 1200NaN0. The construction time is estimated at 40 hours.

Operational history

Due to its low price and BCAR Section "S" certification the X-Air has proven popular in the United Kingdom.

An X-Air has been used as a testbed for the prototype D-Motor LF26 flathead engine.[9]

Variants

X-Air "S" (Standard)
  • Initial version, certified under UK BCAR Section "S" as a microlight. Standard engine is the 640NaN0 Rotax 582 and the 800NaN0 Rotax 912UL, 850NaN0 Jabiru 2200 and the 600NaN0 HKS 700E four-stroke powerplants are also used. The design is popular in the UK, especially with the Jabiru engine.[10] [11]
    X-Air "F" Gumnam
  • Improved version, aerodynamically cleaned up, extended fuselage with baggage compartment, Lexan doors and wheel pants are standard. The wing is 10NaN0 shorter, with a higher aspect ratio, 100% double surface, flaps and a NACA 4412 airfoil. Certified under UK BCAR Section "S" as a microlight and marketed in the UK as the X-Air Falcon. Standard engine is the 640NaN0 Rotax 582, although the 500NaN0 Rotax 503 or 850NaN0 Jabiru 2200 four-stroke engine can be used.[12]
    X-Air "H" Hanuman
  • Development version, with nose-mounted 850NaN0 Jabiru 2200 four-stroke engine.

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, pages 76-77. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
    2. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-112. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001.
    3. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 363. BAI Communications.
    4. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, pages 155-156. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
    5. Downey, Julia: 2001 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 12, December 2000, page 70. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
    6. Downey, Julia: 2002 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 18, Number 12, December 2001, page 62. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
    7. Downey, Julia: 2005 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 21, Number 12, December 2004, page 68. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
    8. Web site: Raj Hamsa Company Profile. 16 February 2011. Raj Hamsa Ultralights. n.d..
    9. Web site: X-air test plane. 1 August 2011. D-Motor. n.d.. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20101217063124/http://d-motor1.vpweb.be/X-air-test-plane.html. 17 December 2010.
    10. Web site: X-Air "S". 16 February 2011. Raj Hamsa Ultralights. n.d..
    11. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 128. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
    12. Web site: X-Air "F". 16 February 2011. Raj Hamsa Ultralights. n.d..

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