TheCEI Free Spirit Mk II,also called theCabrinha Free Spirit Mark IIand theCabrinha Model 423,is a three-seatAmericanhomebuilt aircraftthat was designed by Richard Cabrinha and produced byCEIofAuburn, California,introduced atAirVenturein 1995. The aircraft was intended to be supplied as a kit for amateur construction, but only prototypes seem to have been completed.[1][2]
| Free Spirit Mk II | |
|---|---|
| Role | Homebuilt aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | CEI |
| Designer | Richard Cabrinha |
| Introduction | 1995 |
| Status | Prototypes only completed |
| Number built | Two |
Design and development
editThe design goals of the Free Spirit Mk II included long range, high speed and a high rate of climb. The aircraft features a cantileverlow-wing,a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration,plus ajump seatin an enclosed cockpit, retractabletricycle landing gearand a single engine intractor configuration.[1]
The aircraft is made from lightweight pre-molded composites. Its 30.30 ft (9.2 m) span wing employs a NASA NLF(1)-0215F natural laminar flowairfoil,mountsflapsand has a very small wing area of 86.00 sq ft (7.990 m2), giving a high wing loading of 25.0 lb/sq ft (122 kg/m2). The cabin width is 44.5 in (113 cm). The acceptable power range is 150 to 220 hp (112 to 164 kW) and the standard engine used is the 210 hp (157 kW)Lycoming IO-360powerplant.[1][3]
The Free Spirit Mk II has a typical empty weight of 1,250 lb (570 kg) and a gross weight of 2,150 lb (980 kg), giving a useful load of 900 lb (410 kg). With full fuel of 52 U.S. gallons (200 L; 43 imp gal) the payload for crew, passengers and baggage is 588 lb (267 kg).[1]
Operational history
editIn 1998 the company reported that two aircraft were flying, but by December 2013 only one example remainedregisteredin the United States with theFederal Aviation Administration.[1][2]
Specifications (Free Spirit Mk II)
editData fromAeroCrafter and The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage[1][3]
General characteristics
- Crew:one
- Capacity:two passengers
- Length:20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
- Wingspan:30 ft 4 in (9.25 m)
- Wing area:86.00 sq ft (7.990 m2)
- Airfoil:NASA NLF(1)-0215F natural laminar flow
- Fuel capacity:52.00 U.S. gallons (196.8 L; 43.30 imp gal)
- Powerplant:1 ×Lycoming IO-360four cylinder, air-cooled,fuel injected,four strokeaircraft engine,210 hp (160 kW)
- Propellers:3-bladedconstant speed propeller
Performance
- Maximum speed:300 mph (480 km/h, 260 kn)
- Cruise speed:240 mph (390 km/h, 210 kn)
- Stall speed:52 mph (84 km/h, 45 kn) flaps and landing gear down
- Range:1,200 mi (1,900 km, 1,000 nmi)
- Service ceiling:24,000 ft (7,300 m)
- Rate of climb:1,600 ft/min (8.1 m/s)
- Wing loading:25.0 lb/sq ft (122 kg/m2)
References
edit- ^abcdefPurdy, Don:AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition,page 131. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998.ISBN0-9636409-4-1
- ^abFederal Aviation Administration(21 December 2013)."Make / Model Inquiry Results".Retrieved21 December2013.
- ^abLednicer, David (2010)."The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage".Archived fromthe originalon 20 April 2010.Retrieved21 December2013.