The Platzer Kiebitz (English: Lapwing) is a German amateur-built aircraft designed by Michael Platzer and made available in the form of plans for amateur construction.[1][2]

Platzer Kiebitz
Role Amateur-built aircraft
National origin Germany
Designer Michael Platzer
Status Plans available (2015)
Platzer Kiebitz
Platzer Kiebitz B powered by a Volkswagen air-cooled engine
Platzer Kiebitz

Design and development

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The Kiebitz features a strut-braced biplane configuration, a two-seats-in-tandem open cockpit with a small windshield, fixed conventional landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]

The aircraft fuselage is made from welded steel tubing, with its flying surfaces covered in doped aircraft fabric. Its 7.6 m (24.9 ft) span wing has an area of 18.3 m2 (197 sq ft) and uses interplane cable bracing. Engines from 50 to 100 hp (37 to 75 kW) can be used. The prototype used a 50 hp (37 kW) Nissan 12P automotive engine from a Nissan Micra, but Rotax, Volkswagen air-cooled engines and Sauer powerplants have also been employed.[1][2]

Operational history

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Even though the aircraft can only be constructed from plans, the Kiebitz has proven popular with builders for the European Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight class.[1][2]

Specifications (Kiebitz)

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Data from Bayerland Tacke[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 7.6 m (24 ft 11 in)
  • Wing area: 18.3 m2 (197 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 200 kg (441 lb)
  • Gross weight: 330 kg (728 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 50 litres (11 imp gal; 13 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Nissan 12P four cylinder, liquid-cooled, four stroke automotive engine, 37 kW (50 hp)
  • Propellers: three-bladed composite

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 125 km/h (78 mph, 67 kn)
  • Stall speed: 45 km/h (28 mph, 24 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 3 m/s (590 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 18.0 kg/m2 (3.7 lb/sq ft)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 110. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b c d e Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 117. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
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