YouTube – Edge 540
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Specifications |
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Primary Function:
Crew: Engine: Power: Length: Wingspan: Weight Empty: Max. Weight: Fuel: Payload: Cruise Speed: Max. Speed: Climb Rate: Ceiling: Range: First Flight: Year Deployed: |
recreation
one Lycoming IO-540 340 hp. 20 ft. 7 in. 24 ft. 4 in. 1,155 lbs. 1,800 lbs. 61 U.S. gals. 536 lbs. 207 mph 265 mph 3,700 fpm 20,000 feet 395 miles 1/9/93 1994 |
Edge 540
The Edge 540 is an uncompromising unlimited experimental aerobatic aircraft produced by Zivko Aeronautics Co. located in Guthrie, Oklahoma U.S.A. It has an airframe certified to take a continuous 10 G loading.
The 540 cubic inch engine of the aircraft is modified from the stock Textron-Lycoming AEIO-540 design. Special pistons are fitted to raise the compression ration to ten to one. A high performance cam is installed along with special porting to increase engine breathing. We are told that the modifications do not negatively effect the life of the engine and actually increase reliability.
Flying the Edge 540
Flying the Edge 540 is like strapping on an engine with wings tied to it. A nice feature of the aircraft is that forward visibility is remarkably good for a tail dragger. Advancing the throttle for takeoff is like being catapulted from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The acceleration is blinding, and produces a 3,700 fpm climb rate.
Aileron response is instantaneous without being twitchy. Their slightest movement is immediately felt in the stick. Stick pressure is very light, yet there is sufficient travel in it so that full aileron control can easily be accomplished.
As benefits a well balanced aerobatic aircraft, stick forces remain the same in inside and outside maneuvers and at all speeds. Maximum aileron throws are difficult to reach due to the little ship quickly reacting to inputs with up to a 420 degree per second roll rate. Input response in all planes is also quick. Maneuvers can be stopped as quickly as they are started.
Hands-off inverted flight is easily accomplished with just a bit of down trim. The aircraft is equally responsive from maximum speeds to speeds just above stall. The large propeller up front acts like an anchor to quickly slow the aircraft when power is cut.
The Edge 540 has won numerous competitions including the 2004 and 2006 Red Bull Air Races. These timed races take place around a slalom course consisting of nine gates. Winning aircraft have negotiated the course in under 60 seconds.
There is also a tandem seating, two place version of the aircraft designated the Edge 540T.
RC Edge 540
The Tower Hobbies RC Edge 540 is an ARF with wings that measure 58 1/4 in. across and a fuselage length of 47 1/4 in. Its fuselage is of all wood construction. Recommended power is a Rimfire .32 electric motor, from .46 to .55 two stroke or a .72 four stroke engine.
Pilot RC has the RC Edge 540 ARF with an all wood fuselage. Its wingspan is 78 in. and length is 70 1/2 in. Engines can be from 30 cc to 40 cc or the equivalent electric motor. Weight, ready to fly, should be approximately 13 lbs.
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