TYPE: Two-seat lightplane.
PROGRAMME: First flight (N6070H) 1986; FAA certification of original A-1 version under FAR Pt 23 achieved by Christen Industries 1 May 1987, this having 816 kg (1,800 lb) MTOW. Type Certificate passed to Aviat Inc, then White International on 3 December 1992, then Sky International on 10 January 1996.
CURRENT VERSIONS: A-1 Original version, new superseded; 400 built.
A-1A Standard version from 395th aircraft (c/n 1395). Certified 28 January 1998, with MTOW increased by 41 kg (90 lb).
Description refers to A-1A unless otherwise stated.
A-1B Mission-specific version initially intended for government agencies. Has higher maximum take-off weght of 907 kg (2,000 lb). Certified 28 January 1998. Some 200 built by December 2001, since when has been sole version produced.
CUSTOMERS: Total 700 A-1s and A-1As delivered by September 2002, including two to US Department of Interior and four to US Department of Agriculture; also operated by US police agencies and in Kenya for wildlife protection patrols. Production for 2000 totalled 80 (four A-1A and 76 A-1B), for 2001, 50 (all A-1Bs), and for 2002, 34 (all A-1Bs).
COSTS: A-1A US$127,500; A-1B US$135,328 (2002).
DESIGN FEATURES: Conventional high-wing monoplane; constant-chord wing with V-strut bracing and auxiliary struts; wire-braced empennage with elliptical surfaces.
Wing has modified Clark Y US 35B section; optional drooped Plane Booster wingtips and vortex generator kit.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Symmetrical section ailerons with spade-type mass balance; trim tabs in elevators; slotted high-lift flaps. Fixed tailplane; trim by adjustable bungee. Control surface movements: ailerons ±20°; elevators +29/-15°; rudder ±25°; flaps 30°.
STRUCTURE: Tubular welded 4130 steel fuselage. Wing has two aluminium spars, metal ribs and metal leading-edge, Dacron covering overall. A-1B has 7075-T76 aluminium rear spar, replacing 6061-T6. Twin bracing struts each side of wings and wire- and strut-braced tail unit. Light alloy slotted flaps and ailerons, with Dacron covering. Fuselage and tail have chrome molybdenum steel tube frames, covered in Dacron except for metal skin to rear fuselage. Seven-coat corrosion protection.
LANDING GEAR: Non-retractable tailwheel type. Two faired side Vs and half-axles hinged to bottom of fuselage, with internal (under front seat) bungee cord shock-absorption. Cleveland mainwheels, tyre size 8.00-6 as standard; 6.00-6 or 8.50-6 tyres and 24x10-6 or 26x10.5-6 Tundra tyres optional. Cleveland mainwheel hydraulic disc brakes, toe-operated. Steerable leaf-spring tailwheel. Optional EDO 89-2000, Baumann BF-2100 and Wipline 2100 floats, Aero M1500, M1800, M2000 or M3000H wheel replacement skis, Aero wheel skis and Flairdyne hydraulic whell-retracting skis.
POWER PLANT: One 134 kW (180 hp) Textron Lycoming O-360-A1P flat-four engine, driving a Hartzell HC-C2YK-1BF two-blade constant-speed metal propeller. Fuel in two metal tanks, one in each wing, total capacity 208 litres (52.0 US gallons; 45.75 Imp gallons), of which 189 litres (50.0 US gallons; 41.6 Imp gallons) are usable. Fuel filler point in upper surface of each wing, near root.
ACCOMMODATION: Enclosed cabin seating two in tandem, on ergonomic lumbar and side support seats, with dual controls. Custom leather seats optional. Five-point safety harness. Downward-hinged door on starboard side, with upward-hinged window above. Optional skylight window in roof. A-1B has luggage door on starboard side as standard; optional on A-1A. Rear compartment for extra 13.6 kg (30 lb) baggage optional (structural provision standard) from 2000; external access starboard side, below rear window; certified retrofittings kits available.
SYSTEMS: 12 V electrical system includes lights, 22 Ah battery, and 60 A alternator.
AVIONICS: VFR standard; Loran C transponder, GPS, nav/com, intercom, and IFR instrumentation, including Garmin GNS530 GPS/com and VM 1000 panel, optional.
Instrumentation: Sensitive altimeter, ASI, magnetic compass, digital tachometer, oil temperature/pressure gauge, manifold pressure gauge and CHT gauge all standard.
EQUIPMENT: Rear seat heater and windscreen defroster standard on A-1B.