Design and Development
The Sierra was intended as a lightweight and affordable glider with modest performance that could be launched by ultralight aircraft aerotow, auto-tow, winch-launch or bungee launch. It first flew in March 1991.
The aircraft was made from aluminium tube, fabric and composites. Its 42.65 ft (13.0 m) span wing was supported by a lift strut and jury struts. The glide ratio was 25:1 and had a landing roll of 150 ft (46 m). The landing gear was tandem wheels, plus a tail caster. The completion time from the factory kit was rated as 150 hours.
Although very light, with a standard empty weight of 205 lb (93 kg), the Sierra did not qualify under the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations as a hang glider, neither was it foot-launchable. Only one prototype had been reported as completed by December 1998.
Read more about this topic: Advanced Aeromarine Sierra
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