The Advanced Aeromarine Sierra was an American high-wing, strut-braced, single-seat, glider that was designed and produced by Advanced Aeromarine, as a kit for amateur construction.Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 300. BAI Communications. Downey, Julia: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 31. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
Design and development The Sierra was intended as a lightweight and affordable glider with modest performance that could be launched by ultralight aircraft aerotow, auto-tow, winch-launch or bungee launch. It first flew in March 1991.
The aircraft was made from aluminium tube, fabric and composites. Its span wing was supported by a lift strut and jury struts. The glide ratio was 25:1 and had a landing roll of . The landing gear was tandem wheels, plus a tail caster. The completion time from the factory kit was rated as 150 hours.
Although very light, with a standard empty weight of , the Sierra did not qualify under the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations as a hang glider, neither was it foot-launchable. Only one prototype had been reported as completed by December 1998.
Operational history In September 2011 there were no Sierras registered with the US Federal Aviation Administration and it is likely that none exist anymore.
Variants Sierra LS Main production version
Specifications (Sierra LS)
See also
References