Grob Vigilant
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| Vigilant T.1 (G109B) | |
|---|---|
 A Grob Vigilant T.1 of 637 VGS |
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| Type | Motor Glider |
| Manufacturer | Grob |
| Designed by | Burkhart Grob |
| Maiden flight | 1983 |
| Status | Active |
| Primary user | Air Cadet Organization |
| Number built | 53 |
The Vigilant T.1 is the military version of the Grob 109B adapted by the Royal Air Force for use on Volunteer Gliding Squadrons. The aircraft are maintained by an Engineering Flight at RAF Syerston.
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[edit] General
The Vigilant is a low wing cantilever motorglider with folding (and detachable) wings, a 'T' tail and side-by-side seating with dual controls. Entry and exit from the cockpit is via 2 perspex doors which open upwards individually, a modification from the original G109 canopy. The cockpit can be heated, providing that the engine is running. Seat backs can be adjusted and cushions of differing thickness inserted to accommodate a wide range of body sizes. It is mainly constructed from Glass-Reinforced Plastic(GRP) and has a taildragger undercarriage arrangement.
Under the current CAA LASORS document, the Vigilant can be classed as either a touring motor glider (TMG), or a self-launching motor glider (SLMG).
[edit] Operational History
The Vigilant is currently used by 16 Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS), located at various sites around the UK. Their role is to train air cadets in basic flying techniques and to enable them to reach a standard where they are able to fly solo. Courses available to the air cadets are the gliding induction course, the gliding scholarship course and the advanced gliding training course.
The Vigilant T1 aircraft is also used at the Air Cadet Central Gliding School, at RAF Syerston, in Nottinghamshire, where it is used to train the VGS instructors.
[edit] Engine
The Vigilant's power is provided by a Grob 2500 E1 horizontally opposed, 4 cylinder, air cooled petrol engine. It develops approx 95 bhp (71 kW) at 3400 rpm.
The propellor is a 2 bladed, variable pitch propellor driven directly from the engine. there are 3 pitch settings for the propellor:
Fine, for take-off and general flying. Coarse, for cruising. Feathered, for gliding with the engine off.
Hot air can be supplied to the carburettors when there is a risk of icing. However it is standard procedure to use hot air whenever the engine is not at full power. lll
[edit] Controls
The control column operates the elevator and ailerons. Therefore the control column is used to pitch and roll the aircraft.
The rudder pedals operate the rudder and wheel brakes and are also adjustable, forward and backward, to suit individuals of differing leg length. The rudder and brakes are used to control the aircraft on the ground.
The throttle regulates fuel flow to the engine. Engine RPM (power) is controlled by the use of the throttle.
The airbrakes are used to increase the rate of decent and are primarily used during the approach and landing.
All of the above controls are duplicated for both seats.
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (student & instructor)
- Length: 8.10 m (26.57 ft)
- Wingspan: 17.4 m (57.09 ft)
- Height: 1.7m (5.58 ft)
- Wing area: 19.0 m² (204.5 ft²)
- Empty weight: 620 kg (1,364 lb)
- Loaded weight: 850 kg (1,874 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 908 kg (2,001 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Grob 2500 4-cylinder air-cooled piston engine, 71 kW (95 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: up to 850 kg: 130 Knots (below 6500 ft), 122 Knots (above 6500 ft). (851 to 908 kg: 121 Knots)
- Service ceiling FL 80 ()
- Wing loading: 47.8 kg/m² (9.79 lb/ft²)
[edit] References
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