| Sequoia Falco F8L | |
|---|---|
| 1993 Sequoia Falco F8L | |
| Role | Homebuilt aircraft |
| National origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | Sequoia Aircraft Company |
| Designer | Stelio Frati |
| First flight | 1955 |
| Number built | 90 (2011)[1] |
The Sequoia F.8L Falco is a lightweight 2-seater aerobatic aircraft, sold in kit or plans form for self-assembly by the Sequoia Aircraft Company of Richmond, Virginia. The aircraft is single-engined, propeller driven and designed for private and general aviation use.[1]
The aircraft was designed by the renowned Italian designer Stelio Frati in 1955, and originally built in Italy by Aeromere (later Laverda) for sale, but the design was adopted in the US in the 1980s and converted to kit form. The aircraft is widely considered to be one of the best handling, strongest, and most aesthetically pleasing designs ever made available to home builders. The makers call it "the Ferrari of the air", and like the car, it is very expensive compared with most homebuild kits.
Performance is good, with 175 knot average cruise speeds and 6g aerobatic capability
The Sequoia Falco F8L is constructed of spruce and typically Finnish birch plywood. The structure is built from spruce and the birch plywood is used for the skin. The plywood is often softened with hot steam, formed over the various structures and glued in place. The aircraft is rated at 6Gs positive and 3Gs negative.
Contents |
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1965-66 [3]
General characteristics
Performance
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