Bede BD-5

The Bede BD -5 is a single-seat light aircraft of all-metal construction with a pusher propeller that drove the Bede Aircraft from the United States as a kit. Terms of dimensions Cri - Cri is the only even smaller.

History

Reflections on a motorized glider of this type go back to the year 1967. 1970 finally began construction, and in September 1971 Jim Bede first flew the aircraft. A total of about 5,000 kits were distributed, but the manufacturer went bankrupt due to the ongoing engine problems mid-1970s. The U.S. company BD - Micro Technologies Inc. offers a replica of the original Bede BD -5. In addition to BD- 5B is a Turbopropvariante with a variable pitch propeller (BD -5T ) and the BD -5J is offered with a Micro Turbo TRS -18 jet engine. The BD -5J has a shortened to 5.18 m span. The machine with the air vehicle registration N3038V is the recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, the smallest jet aircraft in the world (11 /2005).

Construction

The prototype had a disguised with shells made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic screwed pipe rack. The later production models were built up against it in a half- shell construction made ​​of aluminum. Also possessed the prototype on a V-tail, which has now given way to a conventional tail.

The prototype ( ID N500BD ) initially served as a test aircraft with different engine types. First, we used a 36 -horsepower snowmobile engine Polaris Industries, then a 40 - hp engine from Kiekhaefer, until finally began a 55 -hp Hirth engine. The prototype is obtained and AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh ( Wisconsin) is issued in the EAA.

Versions

Several variants have been developed:

  • BD -5A with wingspan of only 4.27 m, hence difficult to fly.
  • BD- 5B to 6.40 m Wingspan enlarged
  • BD- 5D should be certified by the FAA. This has not been reached, so no production.
  • BD -5J was equipped with a Micro Turbo TRS -18 jet engine.
  • BD -5S pure glider, but glide unacceptable, no production.
  • BD -5T was offered with a variable pitch propeller.

Technical data ( Bede BD- 5B)

  • Length: 3.88 m
  • Wingspan: 6.40 m
  • Height: 1.53 m
  • Wing area: 4.4 m²
  • Empty weight 178 kg
  • Maximum takeoff weight: up to 530 kg
  • Maximum speed: 320 km / h
  • Range: 1150 km
  • Service ceiling: 3660 m
  • Rate of climb: 580 m / min

Trivia

  • A Bede BD -5J 1983 was extensively seen in the opening sequence of the James Bond film Octopussy.

Accident

A BD -5J Microjet the Flying Bulls, Mark N53EJ, had an accident on the afternoon of May 1st 2013 in tree churches in Tyrol's Inn Valley. The aircraft was destroyed in a collision with a hillside while attempting an emergency landing, the pilot was killed.

Mercury Marine EAA AirVenture Museum Oshkosh (Wisconsin) Baumkirchen
111838
de