Urban Air
| File:UrbanAirLogo.png | |
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | George Hackett |
| Defunct | circa 2010 |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of employees | 40 |
| Website | www |
Urban Air operated as an aircraft manufacturer headquartered in the Czech Republic.[1]
Specializing in the production of light sport and ultralight aircraft, the firm employed a workforce of 40 individuals. Established in 1998 by a group of five partners, their inaugural prototype had already taken flight in May 1996, predating the company's official formation by two years. The design and development phase began in 1992 under the leadership of Pavel Urban, Karel Faltus, and Ing. Miloš Mládek, with technical assistance from Schempp-Hirth.
Manufacturing responsibilities for Urban Air's designs were later assumed by Distar Air, located in Ústí nad Orlicí, Czech Republic.[2]
Aircraft
Urban Air developed and produced two primary aircraft models: the Lambada and the Samba. Both models can be fitted with tow hooks to facilitate glider launches. Additionally, options include parachute recovery systems. Constructed from fiberglass and carbon fiber composite materials, these aircraft are engineered for rapid disassembly and convenient ground transport via trailers.[1]
- Lambada
- The company's first model, the UFM 13 Lambada, had its origins in design work starting in 1992, with its prototype completing its maiden flight on May 23, 1996. Its design drew heavily from glider aerodynamics to optimize performance. The aircraft features wing extensions that increase wingspan to 15 meters and includes both flaps and spoilers. It is configured as a single-engine monoplane with conventional landing gear arranged in a taildragger format.[1][3]
- Samba
- The second aircraft introduced by Urban Air was the Samba, which completed its initial test flight in June 1999. Primarily constructed from carbon laminate materials, this single-engine monoplane differs from the Lambada by employing tricycle landing gear rather than taildragger gear. Since 2004, an upgraded variant known as the Samba XXL has been produced.[1][3]
See also
References
- Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 166. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. Template:ISSN
- ↑ Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 41. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. Template:ISSN
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Simpson, 2005, p. 301
- Bibliography
- Simpson, Rod (2005). General Aviation Handbook. Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-222-5.
External links
