The AC-7 is derived from the AC-7Mmotor glider, but with a significantly redesigned fuselage. The AC-7 reduced fuselage wetted area as a result of eliminating the engine and propeller mounting space. It retains the two-seats in side-by-side configuration of the motor glider. Also revised is the complex four-wheeled fixed landing gear of the AC-7M, replaced on the AC-7 by a conventional retractable 400 mm (15.7 in) tire, pneumatic-hydraulic suspended, monowheel gear, with a lever-operated hydraulic disc brake.[1]
The aircraft's 18.5 m (60.7 ft) span wing employs a Wortmann FX 60-157 airfoil, mounts Fowler flaps and optional winglets. The wings are mounted to the fuselage with a single cam-pin and the ailerons and air brakes hook-up automatically. Like the AC-7M the AC-7 cockpit can accommodate pilots up to 190 cm (74.8 in) in height. The canopy provides 300° field of view and is jettisonable.[1]
