Engineering:TeST TST-14 Bonus
| TST-14 Bonus | |
|---|---|
| Frontal view | |
| Role | Glider and Motor glider |
| National origin | Czech Republic |
| Manufacturer | TeST Gliders |
| Introduction | 2001 |
| Status | Produced until 2010 |
| Number built | About 50 |
| Variants | TeST TST-14J BonusJet |
The TeST TST-14 Bonus is a Czech high-wing, T-tailed, two-seats-in-tandem glider and motor glider, designed and produced by TeST Gliders.[1][2][3]
Design and development













The TST-14 motor glider was designed for private owner and flying school use and as such features wing tip wheels that allow independent taxiing and take-off.[1][3]
The TST-14 is constructed from composite materials, with the forward-swept wing a ribless composite sandwich structure. Each wing weighs 40 kg (88 lb) and has a single spar made with a carbon fibre composite flange plate and a polyurethane foam/fibreglass composite web plate. Glidepath control is by upper surface air brakes made from aluminium. The motor glider version is powered by a retractable 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503UL two-stroke powerlant. Extension and retraction of the engine is fully automatic, controlled with two cockpit-mounted buttons and actuated by two electric servo motors. The landing gear consists of dual fuselage-mounted tandem mainwheels and wing tip-mounted wheels.[1][4][5]
The aircraft was type certified to the Joint Aviation Authorities JAR 22 standard for gliders on 10 Dec 2001. The TST-14 was not certified in the United States as the company explains, "due to the expense involved". The aircraft can be registered with the US Federal Aviation Administration as a Special Light Sport Aircraft glider or in the Experimental - racing/exhibition category.[2][5][6]
Variants
- TST-14 Bonus
- Pure glider version, with a gross weight of 472.5 kg (1,042 lb)[3]
- TST-14M
- Main production motor glider version, powered by a 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503UL two-stroke double ignition powerlant[1]
Specifications (TST-14M Bonus)
Data from Sailplane Directory and company website[1][4][5]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Length: 8.24 m (27 ft 0 in)
- Wingspan: 17 m (55 ft 9 in)
- Height: 1.10 m (3 ft 7 in) of passenger cabin, tail Is higher
- Wing area: 12.01 m2 (129.3 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 23.92:1
- Airfoil: Wortmann modified
- Empty weight: 280 kg (617 lb) 300 kg if present ballistic parachute
- Gross weight: 450 kg (992 lb) 472 kg if present ballistic parachute
- Max takeoff weight: 450 kg (992 lb) 472.5 if present a ballistic parachute
- Fuel capacity: 22.6 litres (5.0 imp gal; 6.0 US gal) approximately 2.5 hours of flight, if the engine is always on
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503UL double ignition two-stroke, twin cylinder inline aero engine, 37 kW (50 hp)
- Propellers: 2-bladed wooden, 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) diameter
Performance
- Maximum speed: 150 km/h (93 mph, 81 kn) gust or aerotow speed
- Cruise speed: 115 km/h (71 mph, 62 kn) max speed by motor = 140 km/h
- Stall speed: 65 km/h (40 mph, 35 kn)
- Never exceed speed: 205 km/h (127 mph, 111 kn)
- Range: 275 km (171 mi, 148 nmi) only if the engine is always on
- Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,000 ft) ceiling by motor, more by sail
- g limits: +5.2/-2.6
- Maximum glide ratio: 40:1 at 115 km/h (71 mph; 62 kn)
- Rate of climb: 3.8 m/s (750 ft/min) 2.5 m/s if passenger is on
- Rate of sink: 0.65 m/s (128 ft/min) at 85 km/h (53 mph; 46 kn)
- Wing loading: 39.06 kg/m2 (8.00 lb/sq ft)
- Fuel consumption: 0.074 kg/km (0.26 lb/mi)
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Activate Media (2006). "TST-14M Bonus TeST, spol. s r.o.". Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120902052516/http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?planeID=470. Retrieved 28 August 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 TeST Gliders (n.d.). "TST-14 Bonus". http://www.lsa-gliders.com/html/tst-14_bonus.html. Retrieved 28 August 2011.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 137. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 TeST Gliders (n.d.). "TST-14 Specifications". http://www.lsa-gliders.com/html/tst_14_specifications.html. Retrieved 28 August 2011.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 TeST Gliders (n.d.). "FAQ". http://www.lsa-gliders.com/html/faq.html. Retrieved 28 August 2011.
- ↑ TeST Gliders (10 Dec 2001). "TST-14 Type Design". http://www.lsa-gliders.com/html/tst-14_bonus.html. Retrieved 28 August 2011.
External links
- Official website
- Flying with Bonus 1 video
- Flying with Bonus 2 video
- Flying with Bonus 3 video
- Rigging of TST 14 M Bonus video
- Photo of TST-14 in flight
- Photo of TST-14M showing engine installation
