The Hummel Ultracruiser-designed for first time home builders By Willie Bodenstein The Hummel UltraCruiser is a Part 103 legal all metal ultralight designed in 1998 for first time builders as well as first time pilots. An easy to build and even easier to fly aircraft the Hummel had its first flight in 2000 and plans went on sale the following year. The design can either be built from plans or ordered in kit form or anything in between. The kit includes predrilled laser cut components and all parts are formed pre-bent, or welded. Wheels, tires, brakes, harness, and even the seat cushion is included. Everything is included to complete the aircraft less the engine, prop, spinner, and instruments. The single seat Hummel that comes with detachable wings for easy storage is docile and easy to fly, very comfortable on ling flights and offers excellent performance and reliability on a 37 hp engine 4 cycle 1/2 VW Hummel engine. A Tri-gear version and canopy options are available. Adding these will however, make the Ultra Cruiser too heavy to qualify for Part103. Hummel's UltraCruiser has a wingspan of 25 feet (7.62 m), Vne of 95 mph (152 km/h), cruise at 85 mph (137 kph) and stall at 23 mph (52 kph). It takes off in 150 feet (46 m) and lands in 300 feet (92 m). It carriers 8 US gallons (30 L) Mogas and burns 2.0 US gallons p/ (7.6 Lph) giving it a range of approximately 270 miles (432 kilometres) with 20% reserve. The little Hummel is petty, aerodynamically smooth, cheap to built and to maintain and a bit more than just a "round the patch" aircraft.

Aviation Economy

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