TYPE: Side-by-side kitbuilt.
PROGRAMME: Based on Opel-powered Dieselis PL2 (F-PTDI) built in France by Paul Lucas and Serge Pennec, first flown September 1998, and shown at PFA International Rally, Cranfield, UK, in July 1999, where selected as basis of DAC venture. Martin Hollmann of US company ADI contracted by DAC to transform wood/composites Dieselis into RangeR, with changes to structure, fuselage size and wing section. Alex Swagemakers of TTA redesigned Opel 1.7 litre turbo-diesel engine for aeronautical use. Incomplete Ranger prototype (PH-DAC) exhibited at Aero'03, Friedrichshafen, April 2003; first flight then due in USA later in 2003.
COSTS: Marketed as fast-build kit, with customer's build-assistance option. Estimated kit cost €40,000 (2003), including engine and propeller, but excluding avionics.
DESIGN FEATURES: Objectives of RangeR redesign included JAR-VLA conformity, low construction cost, Diesel power, long range and easily disconnected wings for road transport and storage. Low, moderately tapered wing and tailplane; sweptback fin; upturned wingtips; fuselage tapers sharply forward and rear of cockpit.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Horn-balanced rudder and single-piece elevator. Flaps; maximum deflection 30o.
STRUCTURE: Composites throughout. Fuselage in left and right halves bonded together, with fin ribs, wing spar bulkheads and firewall pre-installed. Wing main spars glued to bottom skin; forward ribs pre-positioned. Metal engine mount.
LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type; fixed. Cantilever main legs; speed fairings on all wheels.
POWER PLANT: One Opel Y17DT Diesel engine, with turbocharger and intercooler, rated at 67.1 kW (90 hp) at 4,000 rpm, driving a GT GT-2/174/VQS two-blade, wood/composites, fixed-pitch propeller via 1:1.67 reduction gear. Fuel capacity 100 litres (26.4 US gallons; 22.0 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: Two persons, side by side beneath single-piece canopy/windscreen; two rear windows.
AVIONICS: To customer's specification.
