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This engine gives the SINUS
a 3.1 gallon per minute fuel burn at 110 knots cruise, which
equals nearly 8 hours of endurance with the fuel on board.
This of course does not take into account the soaring time
available during flight. Using the 912 80 HP engine climb
rate comes in at approximately 1300 feet per minute!
The SINUS has a very
comfortable pilot area, with ergonomically designed seats.
The rudder pedals on both sides of the plane are easily
adjustable, by simply pulling a pin and pushing or pulling
on the pedals. This means the SINUS can accommodate
pilots for 5 feet to well over 6 1/2 feet. The SINUS on
display had toe brakes on both sides of the plane as well as
adjustable headrests.
The SINUS features dual
stick and rudder control with a center mounted throttle. The
craft uses a full span flapoeron system that is activated by
a lever located between the seats. There are 4 positions of
flaps, with 1 position of negative reflex (aileron) for
increased speed.
A spoiler or "air brake"
handle is located on the ceiling, in the middle of the craft
between the pilot seats. It is used during landing for
killing lift. The factory indicates that these can kill from
200 to 1100 feet of lift per minute, depending on how they
are deployed. This allows the SINUS to get into shorter
fields, like those located at Sun N Fun and Airventure.
The SINUS also have a prop
that can be feathered for soaring which is engaged or
disengaged by pushing and pulling on a large knob located on
the dash. In the event of a failure of the feathering system
the prop automatically goes to full pitch.
In glider operation the
SINUS has a 30:1 glide ratio meaning that from a altitude of
2500 feet you have the ability to glide nearly 15 miles! The
factory reports that there are over 400 Pipistrel aircraft
flying with some 300 of the SINUS style fuselage flying
worldwide.
Currently there are two
SINUS motorgliders that are awaiting final approval for the
SLSA category, with the final paperwork expected to go
through sometime in April of 2011.
For more information contact:
www.pipistrel-usa.com
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