COBRA ARROW

TYPE: Side-by-side ultralight/motor glider kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Non-flying exhibition airframe, then incomplete, displayed at Avalon Air Show, February 2001; prototype (19-3700) was removed from its moulds in August 2001 and was fitted out in late 2001/early 2002. First flight 18 May 2002. Conventional tailplane and elevators replaced in July 2002 by stabilator. First tailwheel version under construction (Kim Penglaze, Victoria) in mid-2003.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Arrow: Standard version, as described. Available to Ultralight or Certified rules.
Arrow M/G: Motor glider version with 3.66 m (12 ft) increase in wing span.
Explorer: Described separately.

CUSTOMERS: Total of 10 kits sold by February 2003; first production kit shipped to New Zealand customer in March 2003.

COSTS: Arrow Sport kit, less engine, instruments and retractable landing gear, A$42,000, plus tax (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Derived from US Polliwagen homebuilt, described in 1983-84 and earlier editions of Jane's. Designed to meet AUF 51 per cent amateur-built rules. Conventional low-wing monoplane; sweptback T tail. Kit comprises prejoined fuselage mouldings with cowling, canopy and main spar carry-through installed; tail surfaces; wing skins with main spar installed; laser-cut profiles for rib shapes; carbon fibre instrument panel; plus seats, fuel cells, control columns, rudder pedals and hardware. Quoted average build time 350 hours.

FLYING CONTROLS: Manual. Ailerons, rudder and stabilator. Flaps.

STRUCTURE: Mostly of pre-moulded composites.

LANDING GEAR: Option of tailwheel type, fixed; or tricycle type, retractable. From mid-2003, wheel sizes 6.00x6 main; 5.00x6 nose.

POWER PLANT: Prototype has one 74.6 kW (100 hp) Subaru EA81 and Bolly Optima three-blade propeller. Other suitable engines include JPX 4TX75, Rotax 582, 912 and 914, Jabiru 2200 and 3300 and Textron Lycoming O-200 and O-360. Fuel capacity 71.9 litres (19.0 US gallons; 15.8 Imp gallons); optionally 117 litres (30.9 US gallons; 25.7 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Two persons side by side under enclosed canopy. Dual controls (sticks) standard.

DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:

  • Wing span: Arrow: 8.53 m (28 ft 0 in)
    • Arrow M/G: 12.19 m (40 ft 0 in)
  • Length overall: 5.79 m (19 ft 0 in)
  • Height overall (nosewheel): 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
  • Wheelbase: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)

WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS:

  • Weight empty, typical: 280 kg (617 lb)
  • Max T-O weight: Ultralight: 544 kg (1,200 lb)
    • Certified: 700 kg (1,543 lb)
  • Max power loading (prototype): 6.63 kg/kN (10.90 lb/hp)

PERFORMANCE (Subaru engine):

  • Max level speed: more than 200 kt (370 km/h; 230 mph)
  • Cruising speed at 2,590 m (8,500 ft): 132 kt (244 km/h; 152 mph)
  • Stalling speed, flaps down: 38 kt (71 km/h; 44 mph)
  • T-O and landing run: 122 m (400 ft)
  • Range: 782 n miles (1,448 km; 900 miles)
  • g limits: +10/-6

The article appears in the following publication:
Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-2005. Jane's Information Group Ltd. 2004. ISBN: 0-7106-2614-2

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