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Letov ST-4 Aztek

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Czech ultralight aircraft

ST-4 Aztek
Role Microlight aircraftType of aircraft
National origin Czech Republic
Manufacturer Letov Kbely
Status Production completed
Number built 15 (1998)

The Letov ST-4 Aztek (English: Aztec) is a Czech microlight aircraft that was designed and produced by Letov Kbely of Prague - Letňany, in the 1990s. When it was available, the aircraft was supplied as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft, or as a kit for amateur construction.

In January 2014, the ST-4 was no longer listed as a product of the company.

Design and development

The aircraft was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight category, including the category's maximum gross weight of 450 kg (992 lb). The ST-4 Aztek features a strut-braced high-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit, fixed tricycle landing gear with wheel pants, a small tailskid and a single engine in tractor configuration.

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing with fairings made from fibreglass and its flying surfaces are covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 10.40 m (34.1 ft) span wing mounts flaps and has a wing area of 15.21 m (163.7 sq ft). The wings are supported by V-struts with jury struts and the empennage is cable-braced. The acceptable power range is 45 to 50 hp (34 to 37 kW) and the standard engine used is the 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 two-stroke powerplant. The engine is mounted high above the cockpit on the front end of the aluminum tube that acts as the tailboom.

The ST-4 Aztek has a typical empty weight of 220 kg (490 lb) and a gross weight of 450 kg (990 lb), giving a useful load of 230 kg (510 lb). With full fuel of 57 litres (13 imp gal; 15 US gal) the payload for pilot, passenger and baggage is 189 kg (417 lb).

The manufacturer estimated the construction time from the supplied kit as 80 hours.

Operational history

By 1998 the company reported that 26 kits had been sold, and that 15 aircraft were completed and flying.

Specifications (ST-4 Aztek)

Letov ST-4 Aztek

Data from AeroCrafter

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 5.91 m (19.40 ft)
  • Wingspan: 10.40 m (34 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 15.21 m (163.7 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 220 kg (484 lb)
  • Gross weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 15 U.S. gallons (57 L; 12 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, air-cooled, two stroke aircraft engine, 37 kW (50 hp)
  • Propellers: 4-bladed composite

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 132 km/h (82 mph, 71 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 97 km/h (60 mph, 52 kn)
  • Stall speed: 50 km/h (31 mph, 27 kn) flaps down
  • Range: 341 km (212 mi, 184 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 2,700 m (9,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 3.8 m/s (750 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 29.5 kg/m (6.05 lb/sq ft)

References

  1. ^ Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 195. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
  2. Letov Kbely (n.d.). "Products". Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.

External links

Letov Kbely aircraft
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