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One of the interesting things about the lightsport aircraft category is the
variety different style of aircraft that are able to fit into it. Josef
Bostik of Urban Air USA was at the U.S. Light Sport Aircraft Expo with a
unique lightsport aircraft called Lambada. The Lambada is a motorized
glider manufactured in the Czech Republic. Currently there are over 100
flying worldwide. Josef a 25 year resident of the U.S. is originally
from the Czech Republic and does business with a number of manufacturers
there.
Once built the planes are test flown and then shipped to the U.S. via
container. On arrival in
Melbourne
Florida they are inspected, reassembled test flown and prepared for
delivery to customers.
The craft features carbon fiber, Kevlar and glass construction. The
Lambada not only meets the U.S. lightsport aviation requirements but has
met stringent certification programs in other countries such as South
Africa, France, Germany, Brazil, Norway, Sweden and Ireland.
The craft is powered by the Rotax 912 80 HP 4 stroke, 4 cylinder
aircraft engine. This gives the plane a 1500 ft per minute climb rate.
Cruise speed is 105 knots with the short winglets, and 97 knots with the
long winglets. The Lambada also has a glide ratio of 30 to 1.
Range with the 26.4 gallons of fuel on board is approximately 800
miles. It features side by side seating in a 42 inch wide cabin with
dual stick and rudder control in a tail dragger configuration. The
single brake lever is located on the joy stick, which activates both
brakes together. It uses a center mounted throttle, located in the dash,
with a manual trim lever on the center floor console.
The speed brake handle is located between the seats on the floor and
is easily accessible by either pilot. Also in the center section in
front of the speed brake handle is the handle for feathering the
propeller.
Josef indicated that for normal operation he would recommend a runway
of 1,000 feet clear at both ends, but that the plane can get in and out
of a 500 foot strip with a good pilot at the controls.
The Lambada has two sliding windows, with small vents in the canopy
for ventilation, and comes standard with a cabin heater with the control
mounted on the dash. There is a large storage area located behind the
seats which can hold up to 100 lbs of luggage.
The craft comes equipped with a Magnum Ballistic Parachute System
standard, which is good for speeds up to 190 knots at 1650 lbs.
The wings are easily removable by two people for storage and
transport. All connection use quick link disconnects. For storage the
wings sit on cradles located on the main landing gear and horizontal
stabilizer.
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