The Monarch first flew in 1974 and was designed to be both a powered self-launching sailplane and also a pure glider, depending on whether an engine was fitted. The glider version is suitable for car-toworwinch-launching.[1][2]
The aircraft is built from fiberglass and epoxy laminates. The wing uses a D-cell leading edge. The optional engine can be mounted to the upright behind the pilot in pusher configuration, with the fuel tanks located in the leading edge D-cell. The original powerplant produced 12 hp (9 kW), but engines up to 24 hp (18 kW) can be fitted. When the lower-powered engine is installed the wing is relocated forward to maintain center of gravity. With the larger engine the wing is moved aft. The standard control stick is mounted from above, simplifying control runs to the high wing. The aircraft was proof tested to 9 g.[1][2]
The Monarch has had several modifications designed for it, including mounting a conventional floor-mounted control stick. Other modifications include larger ailerons and rudder to improve the low-speed handling characteristics.[1][2]
^ abcdeSaid, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 122. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
^ abBertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 57. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
^Taylor, John W.R.; Munson, Kenneth, eds. (1977). Jane's all the world's aircraft, 1977-78 (Sixty-eighth year of issue. ed.). London: Janes Yearbooks. ISBN9780531032787.
^John W.R. Taylor, ed. (1988). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89. London: Jane's Information Group. ISBN0-7106-0867-5.
