Sportsman 2 + 2 Converted To Tricycle Gear

The Sportsman 2 + 2, introduced last summer as a taildragger, has been converted to tricycle mode. The change from tail wheel to nose wheel took one hour and sixteen minutes. "There was some learning involved," said New GlaStar President, Mikael Via. "The next time we expect to complete the operation in less than an hour."

With a 180 hp Lycoming 0-360, the tricycle Sportsman demonstrated a top speed of 167 mph. Cruise speed at 8,000’ (65% power) is 154 mph, while burning 8.0 gph. In the trike configuration, takeoff runs remain very short at less than 400 feet and the rate of climb (solo) is an impressive 1,950 fpm. With the standard 50 gallon fuel capacity, the Sportsman has a range of 886 statute miles (with VFR reserve).

"Our customers have many hobbies and missions that they want to accomplish in their airplane," said GlaStar President Mikael Via. "Whether it’s going golfing at a resort, or reaching deep into the back-country for an extended camping, hunting or fishing trip, or even taking the grandkids for a weekend, the Sportsman’s versatility allows customers to achieve them all in one airplane." Via stressed the fact that the Sportsman provides many options: "Fly it now as a taildragger, convert it to a trike in one hour, and then change it over to floats or skis in just a few hours. And at the end of the day, you can fold the wings in five minutes and save thousands of dollars a year in hangar costs."

Empty weight for the Sportsman is 1,300 pounds. Gross weight on wheels is 2,300 pounds and on floats it is 2,450 pounds. There is plenty of space for utilizing the 900 – 950 pounds of useful load capacity. By adding a bench seat, the Sportsman can be used to transport two adults and two children. By removing that seat, there is enough storage space to accommodate a couple sets of golf clubs, skis, or sufficient hunting/fishing/camping gear to be able to leave civilization behind for two or three weeks at a time.

A steel tube cage built into the fuselage, provides enhanced safety for the occupants.

The Sportsman is being sold in standard and Jump Start kits. Both feature pre-drilled, matched-hole parts.

FMI: www.newglastar.com