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If
everything is done just right, the charts say that a minimally
equipped Titan Tornado can be made ultralight legal... and what
you'd get is a bird that fills the ultralight capabilities roster to
the max... in terms of fun as well as performance. Translation: If
you like the idea of owning a legal ultralight that's beefier than
other aircraft of this genre—it has quite a wide flight envelope
and offers responsive control—this may be your bird.
The Titan Tornado is an all-metal, high-cantilever wing,
trike-geared ultralight that offers generously proportioned flaps, a
completely welded fuselage frame, a full
| Empty Weight: |
254 lbs. |
| Gross Weight: |
550 lbs. |
| Wing Span: |
20 ft. |
| Wing Area: |
93 sq. ft. |
| Engine: |
277 Rotax |
| Cruise Speed: |
60 m.p.h. |
| Stall Speed: |
28 m.p.h. |
| VNE: |
90 m.p.h. |
| Construction: |
Steel/aluminum/fabric
|
| Building time: |
350 Hrs. |
enclosure, a pusher-mounted Rotax, and some of the nicest
handling you'll find in an ultralight.
Top speed is listed as 90 mph and the bird cruised to Oshkosh at
60 mph (not too shabby—and the payload isn't either, 380 lbs).
Both the control harmony and stability are quite good and the
takeoff handling is remarkably improved by the fact that the
aircraft rotates (pitch-wise) far easier and flares better on
landing. The nose gear turn ratio, though, is a bit on the sharp
side and invites some over controlling if you're not ready for it. In
flight, the Titan offers very light control pressures and a fairly
decent blend of yaw/roll harmony, though the rudder (like most
aircraft of this genre) is minimally separated. Pitch stability is
very good and the pitch trim does a great job of reasserting a new
trim attitude with little effort. Static pitch stability was
uncommonly good though the dynamic end was a little slow through the
recovery cycle.
The visibility over the nose is very good and the large
windshield ensures that you won't miss much. Stalls are pretty mild,
although aggressive, accelerated stalls produce a more aggressive
break with an uncharacteristically mild recovery, even when left
hands-off. The Titan spins well, but you're going to need lots of
rudder and all the elevator you've got.
Landing is a simple if slightly solid affair (not a lot of shock
absorption in the low, squat gear). The flaps do a nice job of
slowing the beast and allowing a slower approach than those little
wings seem able to handle. With less than 50 mph over the fence, a
low flare and a bit of slip (to kill off the effects of the
crosswind) got us down and stopped in just over 400'... a little
practice might lower that number quite a bit. No special tools are
required. This is a truly outstanding little aircraft.
Titan Tornado
ZOOM REPORT: Want a rocket ship with good manners? Then
this has to be your bird. The Tornado is a rowdy little thing in the
hands of those who want to play but a pleasant stability profile and
sedate pilot requirements make it a sweet thing for the neophyte, as
well. This bird is very playful, very sturdy, and priced affordably.
That's a good combination of features for any airplane.
USA Aircraft Ratings: Titan Tornado
- Design/Engineering: A-. Lovely machine!
- Ground Handling: B+.
- Flight Characteristics: A-. A hot rod... with a heart of gold.
- Company Profile: B+. And improving!
- Kit/Plans: B+. Nice documentation.
- Bang for the Buck: B+.
- Risk Factor: 2. Company is making great strides.
- Final Grade: A-. Highly Recommended.
For more information contact
Titan Aircraft
2730 Walter Main Rd.
Geneva, OH 44041
The above courtesy of: http://www.av8r.net/issues/march96/top12.htm |
