Fauvel AV.45

The Fauvel AV.45 was an unorthodox motor glider produced in France in the 1960s and 70s. Like other Charles Fauvel designs, it was a tailless aircraft, in this case inspired by the work that German firms had done on producing motorised versions of his AV.36 design. The prototype of the AV.45 was an extensively modified AV.36 powered by a Nelson H-59 2-stroke engine. AV.45s have been built with a number of other engines, however, including at least one aircraft powered by a small turbojet (a Microturbo Eclair).

Variants

• AV.45 - initial version
  • AV.451 - version with increased span and refined aerodynamics
• AV.48 - planned fibreglass version (not built)

Specifications (typical)

General characteristics

• Crew: One pilot
• Length: 3.59 m (11 ft 9 in)
• Wingspan: 13.74 m (45 ft 1 in)
• Wing area: 16.0 m² (172 ft²)
• Aspect ratio: 11.9
• Empty weight: 216 kg (476 lb)
• Gross weight: 350 kg (772 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Hirth O-280R, 41 kW (55 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 142 km/h (89 mph)
• Maximum glide ratio: 27
• Rate of climb: 2.8 m/s (550 ft/min)
• Rate of sink: 0.8 m/s (157 ft/min)

References

• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 381. 
• Coates, Andrew (1978). Jane's World Sailplanes and Motor Gliders. London: MacDonald and Jane's. pp. 30.