Niki Lightning

Lightning
Role Autogyro
National origin Bulgaria
Manufacturer Niki Rotor Aviation
Status In production



The Niki Lightning is a fully enclosed two-seater tricycle autogyro of composite construction, designed and built by Niki Rotor Aviation in Bulgaria.[1][2]

Design and development

The Lightning's cockpit pod accommodates a pilot and passenger in tandem. The main rotor is two-bladed, with a pre-rotation facility. Like most autogyro aircraft, there is a rear empennage, supported by a boom; but whereas the usual approach (as on the Calidus) is to have the boom routed below the prop, thereby protecting the prop from ground strikes, this autogyro has a fully faired boom co-axial with the prop. The boom may be unbolted and removed to aid access to the engine and prop.

There is a choice of two very compact D-Motor engines (both liquid-cooled horizontally opposed side-valve four-strokes): either the 95 hp (71 kW) 4-cylinder LF26 or the 130 hp (97 kW) 6-cylinder LF39. The engine is sited behind the cockpit, driving a 3- or 4-bladed ground-adjustable pusher propeller. Although D-Motor engines are direct-drive units with no gearbox, on the Lightning there appears to be a reduction system using belt drive.

Consuming some 15 l (4.0 US gal; 3.3 imp gal) of avgas per hour, the autogyro has an endurance of 4 hours, with 30 minutes reserve. Its cruise speed of 81 kn (150 km/h; 93 mph) gives the autogyro a range of over 320 nmi (590 km; 370 mi). It has a take-off roll of 70 m (230 ft), and a landing roll of 20 m (66 ft).[2] The Lightning may be flown with its side doors removed.[3]

Specifications (D-Motor LF39)

Data from US distributor[2]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

References

  1. "Welcome - Helicopters International, LLC". lightningautogyro.com. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Lightning Autogyro - Helicopters International, LLC". lightningautogyro.com. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  3. "Technical Specifications". nikiaviation.com. Retrieved 1 March 2016. If you prefer more dynamic flight experience you can just remove the composite doors and enjoy the open air cabin.

External links

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