Sport Copter Lightning Explained

The Sport Copter Lightning is an American autogyro, designed and produced by Sport Copter of Scappoose, Oregon. The aircraft is supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Design and development

The base model Lightning was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 2540NaN0. The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 2520NaN0. It features a single main rotor, a single-seat open cockpit without a windshield, tricycle landing gear and a twin cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke, single-ignition 500NaN0 Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration.

The aircraft fuselage is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing. Its 231NaN1 diameter rotor is supplied ready-made and constructed from bonded dural aluminum by the company's subsidiary Sport USA LLC. The landing gear includes telescopic spring suspension. A semi-enclosed cockpit fairing with windshield is optional.

The basic Lightning design has been developed into the heavier Vortex.

Reviewer Andre Cliche said of the Lightning: "In flight, the Lightning is forgiving and easy to maneuver, with light, geared-down controls. It is responsive but not tricky. It is a good choice for beginners."

Variants

Lightning
  • Base model powered by a 500NaN0 Rotax 503 engine. Can accept engines from 46to. Optional cockpit fairing. 53 examples had been completed and flown by 2005.
    Vortex
  • Improved model powered by a 640NaN0 Rotax 582 or 800NaN0 Rotax 912UL engine. Can accept engines from 65to. Empty weight is 3500NaN0 and gross weight is 7600NaN0. Cockpit fairing is standard. 124 examples had been completed and flown by 2005.
    Vortex M912
  • A strengthened rough-field version originally designed for Australian cattle mustering, (the M stands for Mustering), equipped with a Rotax 912 ULS engine.[5]

    Notes and References

    1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page F-4. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001.
    2. Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 58. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
    3. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 209. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
    4. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 187. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
    5. Web site: Vortex M912 . Sport Copter . 23 July 2023.

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