| Back in September 1991, I finally got to fly the Thunder Gull...
and to report that I was tremendously impressed. That has not
changed. The tricycle-gear, pusher-configuration Thunder Gull was
introduced in 1987. Designed and built by Mark Beierle of Earthstar
Productions, the Thunder Gull is an aircraft that can laugh in the
face of cross-country challenges, and is designed to meet the Part
103 rules regarding ultralights—barely—while maximizing
everything an ultralight can do. Improvements over the past couple
of years resulted in improved production speed and increased cockpit
roominess.
| Empty Weight: |
254 lbs. |
| Gross Weight: |
550 lbs. |
| Wing Span: |
20 ft. |
| Wing Area: |
95 sq. ft. |
| Engine: |
277 Rotax |
| Cruise Speed: |
60 m.p.h. |
| Stall Speed: |
28 m.p.h. |
| VNE: |
120 m.p.h. |
| Construction: |
Steel/aluminum/fabric
|
| Building time: |
200 Hrs. |
Small, streamlined, and efficient, the J model Gull is stall and
spin resistant with good handling characteristics both on the ground
and in the air. The bird sits quite low to the ground but still
boasts excellent short and rough field capabilities (even when some
idiot editor runs out of gas and gets up close and personal with a
bunch of cows out in the boonies).
Control modes are aggressive,
stability profiles surprisingly positive, and the interior seating
is fairly comfortable... especially when the elements are not at
their best behaviour. Its rowdy and aggressive control personality is
well countered by docile stability characteristics and very mild
stall properties.
The Thunder Gull is powered by a 277 Rotax, climbs at 700 fpm,
and has a comfortable cruising speed of 55 mph. Takeoff distance is
125' and it lands in 75'. Wingspan is 20'. It is constructed of tubing, fabric, sheet metal, and composite, and can be purchased as
a kit or an already-assembled aircraft. The build time on the
do-it-yourself version is estimated at 150 hours. Without the 277,
the price of the kit is $8980. An info pack is available for just $3
or, for your viewing pleasure, a video can be had for $25.
Earthstar Aircraft Thunder Gull J Model
ZOOM REPORT: This is an amazing machine...
well-constructed, agile, and built for real flying... it really
deserves a potential buyer's consideration. It's got a hot-dog's
heart but is gentle as well... and it looks good, too!
USA Aircraft Ratings: Earthstar Thunder Gull J Model
- Design/Engineering: A-.
- Ground Handling: B+.
- Flight Characteristics: A-: Outstanding flyer, great handling.
- Company Profile: B-. Small company, improvements reported.
- Kit/Plans: C+.
- Bang for the Buck: A-. Quite a bird, even on small engines.
- Risk Factor: 4.
- Final Grade: B+. Recommended.
Earth Star Aircraft
1615 Park Hill Rd.
Santa Margarita CA
93454
The above courtesy of
http://www.av8r.net/issues/march96/top12.htm |
