Rans S-16 Shekari

The Rans S-16 Shekari is an American single-engined, two-seat, low-wing, aerobatic monoplane designed by Randy Schlitter, built by Rans Inc and sold as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2][3][4][5]

S-16 Shekari
Role Amateur-built aerobatic monoplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Rans Inc
Designer Randy Schlitter
First flight 1994
Introduction 1998
Status Production completed June 2006
Number built 22 (as of December 2004)

Design and development

Conceived as a new generation of Rans aircraft focusing on quicker built times and higher performance, the Shekari is stressed for dual aerobatics.[3]

The Shekari has a 4130 steel tube-and-fabric forward fuselage with composite covering and 6061-T3 aluminum tube rear fuselage and tail. It is available as either a tail wheel landing gear or tricycle landing gear versions. The wings are removable by one person in ten minutes for storage or trailering.[2][3][5][4]

The S-16 has been flown with the Rotax 912UL of 80 hp (60 kW), but is typically equipped with engines such as the Continental IO-240 of 130 hp (97 kW) and can accept engines up to 160 hp (119 kW). Construction time claimed is 600 to 1500 man-hours, depending on builder experience.[1][2][5][4]

Production of the S-16 was ended as part of Rans' extensive reorganization of its product line on 1 June 2006, after the kit had been available for 8 years. Twenty-two had been completed and flown by the end of 2005.[1][6]

Specifications

Data from Kitplanes,[5] Aerocrafter[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Capacity: One passenger
  • Length: 18 ft 8 in (5.69 m)
  • Wingspan: 24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)
  • Height: 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
  • Wing area: 86.5 sq ft (8.04 m2)
  • Empty weight: 850 lb (386 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,300 lb (590 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 32 US gallons (121 litres)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental IO-240-B piston engine, 130 hp (97 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed composite

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 220 mph (350 km/h, 190 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 160 mph (260 km/h, 140 kn)
  • Stall speed: 50 mph (80 km/h, 43 kn) flaps down
  • Never exceed speed: 248 mph (399 km/h, 216 kn)
  • Range: 980 mi (1,570 km, 850 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
  • g limits: +9/-9
  • Rate of climb: 1,200 ft/min (6.1 m/s)

References

Notes
  1. Downey, 2004, p.77
  2. Purdy, 1998, p.241
  3. Taylor 1996, p. 502
  4. Bertrand, 2003, p.194
  5. Downey, 1998, p.66
  6. ANN, 2006, RANS: Light Sport Aircraft Are The Future

Bibliography
  • Bertrand, Noel; Coulon, Rene (2003). "World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-2004". World Directory of Light Aviation. Lancaster OK: Pagefast Ltd. p. 194. ISSN 1368-485X.
  • Bertrand, Noel; Coulon, Rene (2004). "World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2004-2005". World Directory of Light Aviation. England: Pagefast Ltd. ISSN 1368-485X.
  • Downey, Julia (December 1998). "1999 Kit Aircraft Directory". Kitplanes. Vol. 15, no. 12. Primedia Publications. p. 66. ISSN 0891-1851.
  • Downey, Julia (December 2004). "2005 Kit Aircraft Directory". Kitplanes. Vol. 21, no. 12. Belvoir Publications. p. 77. ISSN 0891-1851.
  • Purdy, Don (1998). AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook. BAI Communications. p. 241. ISBN 978-0963640949.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1996). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory. London, England: Brassey's. ISBN 1-85753-198-1.
  • Aero News Network (11 May 2006). "RANS: Light Sport Aircraft Are The Future". Retrieved 21 November 2010.
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