Freedom Footlaunch are located in Norfolk, England and have many years experience of single seat SSDR aircraft design and build. In 2016 we started work on the powered footlaunch aircraft following the introduction/ appraisal period of a new wheeled footlaunch category by the CAA. This move has surely been a big “step” in the right direction especially regarding improved pilot safety during take off and landings, without the burden of heavy engines /airframes being carried. It also greatly reduces the risk of injury caused by sudden gusts at these critical periods.
The new ruling allows for a wheeled exemption for aircraft meeting the existing 70kg rule (75kg with safety parachute) with the additional requirement that the aircraft must have a minimum stall speed of 20 knots and that the pilot must also have the appropriate third party liability insurance. The footlaunch category of aircraft will be of interest to those who are not currently able to get a microlight pilots license, or to existing “footlaunchers” who want to transition to 3-axis aircraft at greatly reduced cost. A few hours of training will be required to get the necessary insurance.
Our design aim is for an aircraft to be able make short tours within the fuel allowance at reasonable speeds of up to 50 knots, while being seated in relative comfort inside a cockpit with aircraft-like controls. The “Flyer” was our first entry design and was the only fixed wing available to meet the new CAA regulations. The Flyer should capture the interest of all those who wish to fly with the minimum of red tape. The Flyer is expertly built using top quality composite materials that provides the strength coupled with light weight for low speed takeoff and landing, and a sleek low drag profile to provide excellent top speed.
Pictures of the original prototype are shown below, with more in the gallery. It is currently undergoing considerable modification to improve it further, with progress detailed below.
Ongoing Progress
We are working on extensively altered wings with impressive low speed lift capability and better low speed handling. We have also improved the undercarriage with a trike design to provide greater stability, and have improved the aerodynamic balance to allow a smaller stabilizer to the one shown in the current photos. Other minor changes are also being made. Details will be released later in the summer.
The original Flyer in 2017, undergoing initial trials
Freedom Footlaunch...
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Last Update: 5/06/22