| Morry Hummel, Hummel Aviation, and the Hummel
Bird are names that are recognized by aviation enthusiasts around
the world. This year a new design from Hummel Aviation the Ultra
Cruiser was on display and flying at Sun N Fun.
There are a couple of unique features to the
Hummel line of aircraft. First they use all metal aluminium
construction, secondly they are powered by 4 stroke half Volkswagen
engines.
According to Scott Casler " we take a four
cylinder VW engine cut it in two and use the front two cylinders"
"we make three engines a 28, 32, and 37 hp" "the only difference
between the engines is the displacement." "The cases for the engines
are purchased reconditioned or are available new." "All of the other
parts, cylinders, pistons, heads, cams etc. are new"
The engine uses the standard VW wet sump oil
system. A Zenith updraft carburator is used with a unique carb
heating system used to help prevent carb icing. The oil lines are
wrapped around the fuel intake.
Ignition is supplied by a single magneto. The prop
is spun direct drive. All out weight of the engine is 85 lbs.
According to Scott the engine is suitable for light experimentals
and ultralights. It can currently be found on Mini Max, Hummel
Birds, Skyraiders, and of course the Ultra cruiser.
According to Scott, "with regular maintenance, oil
changes etc you can go 1500 hours between rebuilds" "rebuilds are
very cheap, you are looking at about $250 in parts" "these are all
off the shelve VW parts."
Currently the engines are prices at $3250 for the
37 hp model, $2700 for the 32 hp model and$2400 for the 28 hp model.
These prices are for ready to run engines. They can also be built
from plans, or parts available from Scott Casler 419-335-2147.
The Ultra Cruiser
|
UltraCruiser
Plus |
|
Note - specs
are with 200# pilot and 60 hp V.W. engine. operating on grass |
|
No spins • No
Aerobatics |
|
Airfoil - GA30-618 |
|
HP (range) |
60-80 |
|
Wing Span (ft) |
25 |
|
Wing Area (sq ft) |
112 |
|
Length (ft) |
17 |
|
VNE Speed (mph) |
120 |
|
Cruise @ 3000 rpm (mph) |
100 |
|
Stall (mph) |
40 |
|
Empty Weight (lbs) |
370 |
|
Gross Weight (lbs) |
750 |
|
Rate of climb (fpm) |
1000 |
|
Fuel Capacity (gal) |
8-21 |
|
Fuel Consumption (aaprox.
gal/hr) |
3 |
While the Ultra Cruiser uses the same all aluminum
construction as the Hummel Bird it is a completely redesigned
aircraft. It has been length end and lightened for better ground
stability and to fit into the U.S. ultralight category.
The Ultra Cruiser uses .016 thou, 60 61-T6
aluminum rivet together construction. Currently the plane is only
available as a plans built plane, but pre formed parts will soon be
available.
The average builder building from plans should be
able to complete construction in about 800 hours, using standard
metal tools, with a brake helping to speed building. A construction
and flying video is available. It is anticipated the plane will be
available ready to fly in the near future.
The Ultra Cruiser is legal all metal Part 103
legal ultralight when powered by the reliable 4 stroke half
Volkswagen engine. It has a canopy and heater for all weather
flying, and the canopy can be quickly and easily removed for summer
flying. The wings are detachable for storage.
The wing span of the Ultra Cruiser is 25 ft, with
a length of 17 ft, stall comes in between 25-28 mph, empty weight is
249 lbs. gross weight with a 170 lbs pilot is 450 lbs.
For more information contact:
Hummel Aviation
509 East Butler
Bryan OH 43506
419-636-3390 |
