Engineering:Brock KB-3

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Short description: American gyroplane
KB-3
Ken Brock KB-3 Gyrocopter (N112SW).jpg
Role Autogyro
National origin United States
Manufacturer Ken Brock Mfg
Designer Ken Brock
Introduction 1985
Status Production completed
Produced 1985-2005
Number built 200 (2005)
Developed from Brock KB-2

The Brock KB-3 is an American autogyro that was designed by Ken Brock, produced by Ken Brock Mfg and introduced in 1985. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction and was also available as plans.[1][2]

Design and development

The KB-3 was derived from the 1970 KB-2 and specifically designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 250 lb (113 kg). It features a single main rotor, a single-seat open cockpit without a windshield, tricycle landing gear and a twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, dual-ignition 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 engine in pusher configuration.[1]

The aircraft fuselage is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing. Its 22 ft (6.7 m) diameter rotor has two blades. Factory available options included a main rotor pre-rotator, a rotor brake and an instrument package. Fuel capacity is 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) and is housed in a combination pilot seat/fuel tank.[1]

Due to its small size and light weight the KB-3 is easy to transport by trailer and can be set up to fly in ten minutes.[1]

Specifications (KB-3)

Data from Cliche and Kitplanes[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 12 ft 0 in (3.66 m)
  • Empty weight: 250 lb (113 kg)
  • Gross weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 582 twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke dual-ignition aircraft engine, 64 hp (48 kW)
  • Main rotor diameter: × 22 ft 0 in (6.71 m)
  • Main rotor area: 380 sq ft (35 m2)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 60 mph (97 km/h, 52 kn)
  • Range: 100 mi (160 km, 87 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,200 ft/min (6.1 m/s)
  • Disk loading: 1.58 lb/sq ft (7.7 kg/m2)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page F-3. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN:0-9680628-1-4
  2. 2.0 2.1 Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 57. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851