ARV Super2

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ARV Super2 is a modern light aircraft similar in many ways to the earlier Bolkow Junior. The ARV is an all-metal side-by-side two-seater with a strutted forward-swept shoulder-wing. It has twin control sticks, and all controls are pushrod, except rudder, which is cable-linked. The Super2's handling is very positive & direct, and the shoulder-wing gives superb visibility. The wing is small (92sq.ft) so wing-loading is quite high. Some find the wing area too small for STOL on short strips, even though the fibre-glass wing-tips increase wing efficiency by reducing drag. Both flaps and trim are manually controlled, and the disc brakes are also hand-operated. A steerable nosewheel gives easy ground handling.

[edit] Overview

The ARV is a rugged aircraft of all alloy-construction, but with composite wingtips and cowlings. Aft of the cockpit bulkhead, the ARV is conventionally built, with frames, longerons and stressed skin. The cockpit is a stiff lightweight monocoque pressing of superplastic alloy which affords great crash protection. In the early days of the Hewland engine, there were a number of forced landings, due to gearbox failures induced by propeller vibration. The CAA grounded the aircraft, and although problems were quickly sorted, a loss of confidence led to the eventual closure of the Isle of Wight factory.

Originally, ARVS were available either as kit-built aircraft (subject to PFA permit), or factory built (and subject to the CAA Certificate of Airworthiness). In 2004, the CAA reclassified all ARVs as PFA Permit aircraft. The Hewland (a 3-cyl in-line liquid-cooled inverted 2-stroke) is arguably at least as good as its modern competitors, and is very smooth. Twenty years later, most Hewlands are still going strong, although they are "lifed" at 750 hours. The Hewland's 75bhp output is a bit marginal; but with engines of 80bhp or more, the ARV is transformed. Currently, it is planned to develop the Hewland to produce some 90bhp. The standard tyres a bit small, but fatter Trelleborgs will fit without any modification, giving a big improvement in rolling on rough ground.

ARVs have also been successfully fitted with the Rotax 912/912S/914 (80/100/115 bhp) and the 100bhp MidWest Rotary. (A Wankel engine is well-suited to aviation use, being smooth, compact, light and powerful). The MidWest engine is excellent provided fuel injection is fitted, though a drawback is its very hot exhaust. Fuel consumption of the Midwest is about 16 lph @85kts.

In the early days, at least two flying schools adopted the ARV, but today most Super2s are in private hands. The Sandown factory closed, having produced some 35 ARVs. Abortive attempts to restart production were made at ASL in Scotland, and then in Sweden, and again in Ohio. In February 2008, the Opus factory in North Carolina obtained FAA "Light Sport Aircraft" approval for the ARV Super2 (which may be renamed "Opus"). It is expected that the "Opus" will be back in production shortly, fitted initially with either a Rotax 912 or, eventually, a 912S.

[edit] Specifications

Stall is 45-50kts; Vfe 80kts;green arc 80-100kts; Vne 130kts; approach 65kts; over-hedge at 60kts;

Crew: 1 pilot & 1 passenger
Length: 18 ft (5.49 m)
Wingspan: 28.5 ft (8.69 m)
Wing area: 92.5 ft² (8.6 m)²
Lowest empty weight: 640 lb (290 kg)
ARVs weigh between 315 & 335 kg when fitted with heavier engines or with radios, transponders & a GPS.
Maximum takeoff: 1,100 lb (499 kg) (Optionally 530 kg)
Powerplant: Hewland 75 bhp (53 kW)
or MidWest Rotary 100 bhp (74 kW)
or Rotax 912S 100 bhp (74 kW)
or Rotax 914 115 bhp

[edit] Performance

Never Exceed speed: 130 kts (315 km/h)
Max speed: 105kts (Hewland 115 kts (MidWest)
Cruise speed: 90 kts (167 km/h) TAS at 65% power, 8000 feet
Stall speed: 50 kts flaps up, 45 kts flaps down
Range: 350 nm (650 km) with 30 minute reserve
Service ceiling: 11,000 ft (3,355 m)
Rate of climb: 710 ft/min (217 m/min)
Wing loading: 11.9 lb/ft²
Power loading: 14.6 lb/hp

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