The Edgley EA-7 Optica is a British light aircraft designed for low-speed observation work, and intended as a low-cost alternative to helicopters.
A total of 22 Opticas have been manufactured, and construction of a 23rd begun but not completed. Ten aircraft were destroyed in an arson attack at the factory.
| Role | Observation |
|---|---|
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Edgley |
| Designer | John Edgley |
| First flight | 14 December 1979 |
| Number built | 22 |
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 3
- Length: 8.15 m (26 ft 9 in)
- Wingspan: 12.00 m (39 ft 4 in)
- Height: 2.31 m (7 ft 7 in)
- Wing area: 15.84 m2 (170.5 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 9.1:1
- Airfoil: NASA GA(W)-1
- Empty weight: 948 kg (2,090 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,315 kg (2,899 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 250 L (66 US gal; 55 imp gal) useful capacity
- Powerplant: 1 × Textron Lycoming IO-540-V4A5D air-cooled flat-six engine, 190 kW (260 hp)
- Propellers: 5-bladed fixed-pitch ducted fan
Performance
- Maximum speed: 213 km/h (132 mph, 115 kn)
- Cruise speed: 130 km/h (81 mph, 70 kn) (loiter speed, 40% power)
- Stall speed: 108 km/h (67 mph, 58 kn) outboard flaps up
- Never exceed speed: 259 km/h (161 mph, 140 kn)
- Range: 1,056 km (656 mi, 570 nmi) at 130 km/h (81 mph; 70 kn) (45-minute reserves)
- Endurance: 8 h (at loiter speed)
- Service ceiling: 4,275 m (14,026 ft)
- Rate of climb: 4.1 m/s (810 ft/min)
Photo Rob Vogelaar