B1RD ultralight, Robertson B1-RD ultra lite aircraft B1RD single place ultralight aircraft, Ultralight Newsmagazine.
Ultralight News is a directory of aircraft that generally fit into what are described as ultralight aircraft, advanced ultralight aircraft, ultralite aircraft, ultralight planes, experimental aircraft, amateur built aircraft, or homebuilt or kit built aircraft in the United States and Canada. These include weight shift aircraft, more commonly known as microlight trikes, powered parachutes, and powered para-gliders.
This site has been set up to work with Internet Explorer, it is possible Windows Media Files may not play in other browsers.


   Ultralight News

 
Google         Site Search

Web Ultralight News
Ultralight Aircraft News Ultralight Flyer Video

Robertson B1-RD antique classic ultralight aircraft

When was the last time you did maintenance on your K & N Airfilter? Is you filter safety wired? Click here to see how to clean and safety wire your airfilter!

Designed and developed as a high-wing, single-engine monoplane with tractor configuration, the Bl-RD was the initial model for Robertson Aircraft Corporation, the first major aircraft company to enter the ultralight field.

Among features incorporated in this "BIRD" are large-span, hanging ailerons to enhance roll control in a conventional three-axis control system. A center-mounted stick activates the displaced ailerons and elevator, and pedals control the rudder.

A single-surface wing, versus double-surface design, is used in keeping with the builder's intention to provide "superior handling at minimum risk." This results in slower cruising speed, but also substantially reduces stall speed (from around 25 mph. to about 15 mph. ).

Designers Glenn and Bruce Bashforth, both Robertson employees, were offered sponsorship and backing by the aircraft company after its president Ron Lien heard about the prototype, which was originated in the designers spare time. And while the Everett, Washington firm doesn't build its own production airplanes.

Robertson Aircraft has become widely known since its founding in 1921 for providing performance packages for 60 aircraft models in the general aviation field, including Lear jets.

When the firm entered the ultralight field, sponsoring a new-design aircraft, it should be noted that in the 1920s Robertson Aircraft was the prime financial sponsor of Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, and later employed Lindbergh as the company's first chief pilot

Robertson's ultralight is designed for a 260-pound payload, and because fuel is limited to a maximum of 3.6 gallons (22 pounds), the pilot can weigh as much as 238 pounds without pushing the B1 -RD beyond limits.

Standard engine is the 20-hp. single-cylinder Cuyuna 215R (mounted ahead of wing) with 3.65 reduction and recoil restart capability. An optional engine was the Cuyuna 430R, a 30-hp., 429 cc. twin-cylinder powerplant.

The undercarriage features taildragger landing gear with bungee shock cord suspension, 16-inch main wheels and steerable tailwheel.

Options include remote starter and choke kit, 4-gallon fuel tank, 20-inch wheels, windscreen, chrome fenders and hardware, chromed axle, instruments, floats, custom sails, parachute, and storage bags.

Also available as an option is a double-surface wing for increased cruising speed, along with the optional 30-hp. engine and electric start.

Available ready to fly, the Bl-RD also came in kit form, allowing buildup in 24 hours and breakdown for cartop transport in 30 minutes. The ultralight utilized all aircraft components rather than hardware store items, and all parts were manufactured in-house at Robertson, using the same standards of quality control applied to the company's production airplane conversions.
Robertson B1-RD antique classic ultralight specifications
Empty Weight: 220 lbs.
Gross Weight: 500 lbs.
Wing Span: 32 ft.
Wing Area: 162 sq ft.
Engine: 430 Cayuna
Cruise Speed: 38 mph
Stall Speed: 15 mph.
VNE: 50 mph.
Construction: aluminum tube and fabric
Building time:  100 hours

Robertson B1-RD antique ultralight- 1 Robertson B1-RD antique ultralight- 2 Robertson B1-RD antique ultralight- 3
Robertson B1-RD antique ultralight- 1 Robertson B1-RD antique ultralight- 2 Robertson B1-RD antique ultralight- 3
 

Windsocks, portable windsocks, replacement windsocks.

Ultralight News Web Magazine.  You may link to these pages or print them out for your own personal use.
No part of this publication may be copied or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic,  mechanical, manual, or otherwise, without the written permission of UltralightNews. By copying or paraphrasing the intellectual property on this site, you're automatically signing a binding contract and agreeing to be billed $10,000 payable immediately. Copyright UltralightNews Email