OpenSky Aircraft Project

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OpenSky is a Japanese project to create a jet-powered glider inspired by the Mehve aircraft flown by the protagonist in the Hayao Miyazaki anime Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.^[1] As of June 2006, two aircraft prototypes have been constructed, and one has successfully completed a series of 10 unpowered test flights where it flew 98 meters and achieved an altitude of 4 meters after being tow-launched by a tensed elastic cable.^[2]^[3] The project is led by artist Kazuhiko Hachiya and includes engineers from AC-Olympos, artists, and students.

[edit] Specifications

Data from OpenSky website^[4]

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Capacity: 1
Length: 2083 mm (6.83 ft)
Wingspan: 9636 mm (31.61 ft)
Height: 1057 mm (3.47 ft)
Wing area: 12.2 m² (131.3 sq ft)
Airfoil: high forward camber, reflexed
Empty weight: 50 kg (110 lb)
Loaded weight: 105 kg (231 lb)
Useful load: 50 kg (110 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 115 kg (253 lb)
Powerplant: 1× (undisclosed engine) , 40 kg (88 lbf)
Mean aerodynamic chord: 1287 mm (4.22 ft)
Aspect ratio: 3.74 (quite low for a glider)
L/D ratio: 18 (planned)
The wing is planned to be powered on take off and climb for a duration of 10 minutes, then flown unpowered as a glider.
Fuel capacity: 10 L (planned)