Taggart GyroBee explained
The
Taggart GyroBee is an American
autogyro that was designed by Ralph E. Taggart of Michigan State University and made available as free documentation. The aircraft is also produced in kit form by Star Bee Gyros of
Worcester, Massachusetts for
amateur construction.
[1] Design and development
The GyroBee 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 2470NaN0. 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, dual-ignition 450NaN0 Zanzottera MZ 201 engine in pusher configuration.
The aircraft fuselage is made from bolted-together 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. Its 231NaN1 diameter Sport Copter rotor has a chord of 71NaN1. With its empty weight of 2470NaN0 and a gross weight of 5500NaN0, it has a useful load of 3030NaN0.
Variants
- Taggart Gyro Bee
Plans-built version introduced in 1990.
- Star Bee Light
Kit-built version of the GyroBee, produced by Star Bee Gyros. Mounts a 231NaN1 Sport Copter rotor, Ivoprop propeller and a 450NaN0 Zanzottera MZ 201.[2]
- Star Bee Total Bee
Kit-built version of the GyroBee, produced by Star Bee Gyros. Mounts a 231NaN1 Dragon Wings rotor, Ivoprop propeller and a 600NaN0 Zanzottera MZ 202.[3]
- Midwest Hornet
Free plans-built version, based on the GyroBee.External links
Notes and References
- Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 184 and 187. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- Web site: Star Bee Light. 8 January 2013. Star Bee Gyros. n.d..
- Web site: Total Bee. 8 January 2013. Star Bee Gyros. n.d..
