Advanced Aeromarine Sierra
Advanced Aeromarine · United States · first flew 1991 · glider
The Advanced Aeromarine Sierra was an American high-wing, strut-braced, single-seat glider produced as a kit for amateur construction. It was meant to be lightweight and affordable, with modest performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High wing supported by a lift strut and jury struts
- Airframe of aluminium tube, fabric and composites
- Tandem main wheels with a tail caster
A small single-seat high-wing glider with a single lift strut each side and a tail caster. It has tandem main wheels.
Specifications
- The Advanced Aeromarine Sierra has a length of 6.4 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It could be launched by ultralight aerotow, auto-tow, winch or bungee, and first flew in March 1991. Its glide ratio was 25:1 and the factory kit was rated at 150 hours to complete.
Variants
The Sierra LS was the main production version. Only one prototype had been reported as completed by December 1998.
Where you'll see it
Although very light, it did not qualify under the US FAR 103 ultralight rules as a hang glider and could not be foot-launched. By September 2011 no Sierras were registered with the FAA, and it is likely that none remain.
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