| Kestrel Jet | |
|---|---|
| Role | Helicopter
Type of aircraft
|
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Vortech |
| Introduction | 1980s |
| Status | Plans available |
| Number built | 6 (2005) |
The Vortech Kestrel Jet is an American tip-jet helicopter that was designed in the 1980s. Kits for amateur construction were originally provided by Vortech and plans remain available.[1][2][3][4]
The aircraft was designed to fit into the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 175 lb (79 kg). It features a single main rotor, a single-seat open cockpit without a windshield and skid landing gear. Power is supplied by two G8-2-20 rotor tip jets that run on propane, consuming 12 U.S. gallons (45 L; 10.0 imp gal) per hour and producing 47 lb (21 kg) of thrust each.[1][2][4]
The aircraft fuselage is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing. Its main rotor is 24 ft (7.3 m) in diameter. Due to the lack of torque produced there is no tail rotor and instead the Kestrel mounts a circular-shaped rudder for directional control. Controls consist only of cyclic, rudder and throttle.[1][2]
Data from Cliche, Vortech and KitPlanes[1][2][3]
General characteristics
Performance
Avionics
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Vortech aircraft
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|---|---|
| Helicopters |
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| Autogyros |
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