Eipper Quicksilver

{{Short description|American ultralight aircraft}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Use American English|date=November 2022}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name=Eipper Quicksilver | image=quicksilver4a.jpg | caption=Quicksilver MX | type=[[Ultralight aircraft]] | national_origin=[[United States]] | manufacturer=[[Eipper Formance]] [[Eipper Aircraft]] [[Quicksilver Aircraft]] | designer=Bob Lovejoy | first_flight= | introduction= | retired= | status=In production (2026) | primary_user= | more_users=  | produced=  | number_built= | developed_from= Quicksilver hang glider | variants=[[M-Squared Breese]] [[Ultralight Engineering Astra]] [[Ultralite Soaring Wizard]] }}

'''Quicksilver''' is a line of single and two-place high wing, single-engine, [[ultralight aircraft]] that evolved from weight-shift [[hang glider]]s including Bob Lovejoy's High Tailer.

The earliest powered version, the Quicksilver C, was created as a self-launching hang glider, designed to allow pilots who lived in the flatlands to be able to self-launch without a hill. The design later evolved into an ultralight aircraft for powered cross-country flying.<ref name="ClicheE29">Cliche, 2001, page E-29</ref>

The aircraft line has been in production since the late 1970s. Production at the [[Quicksilver Aircraft]] factory of [[Temecula, California]] ceased in 2015. All remaining assets and inventory were sold to Air-Tech, Inc of Reserve Louisiana who now supports the Quicksilver line.<ref>https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-lsasport-quicksilver-aircraft-ceases-production/</ref><ref name="Quick">{{Cite web|url =http://www.quicksilveraircraft.com|title = Quicksilver - The World's Largest Manufacturer of Sport Aircraft |accessdate = 18 November 2010|last = Quicksilver Aircraft|author-link = |date = n.d.}}</ref><ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12'', page 116. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X</ref>

==Design and development== Founded by Dick Eipper, [[Eipper Formance]] began manufacturing the early Bob Lovejoy-designed Quicksilver ultralights in the late 1970s when hang gliding was very popular. The Quicksilver hang gliders differed from most hang gliders of that time period in that the Quicksilver had a rigid rectangular wing and a tail with a horizontal stabilizer and a rudder. At that time, the majority of hang gliders were simple [[Rogallo wing]]-type hang gliders.<ref name="ClicheE29" />

Eipper added a seat, wheels, and a small engine behind the wing of the hang glider, and the Quicksilver ultralight was born. This aircraft was controlled by pushing a bar forwards and backwards, and side to side, in the same way that hang gliders are controlled. This shifted the center of gravity of the aircraft and allowed the pilot to control the plane. Many pilots wanted an aircraft that was controlled with a stick and rudder, similar to the way "typical" light airplanes are controlled, so Eipper added rudder and elevator control surfaces to the Quicksilver ultralight, giving it two axes of control. This aircraft was called the Quicksilver MX. The high [[dihedral (aircraft)|dihedral]] of the wings caused the plane to bank when the aircraft was turned with the rudder, but there was no direct means of controlling the [[Flight dynamics|roll]] axis of the airplane—the aircraft only rolled in response to the [[Flight dynamics|yaw]] axis. Pilots still wanted a true three-axis control ultralight, so Eipper added [[spoileron]]s. The spoilerons were only minimally effective, providing only a minimal amount of control over the roll axis. The next generation of MX had true [[ailerons]] which gave the aircraft full roll authority.{{Citation needed|date=September 2014}}

The single-seat Quicksilver MX not only complies with the US [[FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles]] rules, but was in fact the aircraft around which the rules were developed. The Quicksilver was the most popular ultralight aircraft design when the regulations were first drafted in the early 1980s.<ref name="ClicheB47">Cliche, 2001, page B-47</ref>

The Quicksilver MX evolved over the years. A two-seat model was added for training purposes, although the two-seater was not legally an ultralight. Eipper Formance changed their name to Eipper Aircraft and then Quicksilver Aircraft, and they are still in business, although they are not producing aircraft in the quantity that they were at the height of the ultralight craze in the mid-1980s.{{Citation needed|date=September 2014}}

The current production MX Sports and Sprints are built from anodized [[aluminum]] tubing that is fastened together with bolts. The wings and tail are covered with pre-sewn [[Dacron]] envelopes. Reported construction times from the kit are 30–40 hours.<ref name="ClicheB47" />

== Operational history == [[File:Quicksilver MX-1.jpg|thumb|Peter Burgher's Quicksilver MX-1]] In the summer of 1982, Peter Burgher modified a Quicksilver MX-1 with longer wings, larger fuel tanks, and modified [[carburetor]] jets flew from [[Utica, Michigan]] to [[St. Petersburg, Florida]] on an endurance flight setting 56 world and national records.<ref>{{cite web|title=On Display: Peter Burgher's Record-Setting Quicksilver MX-1 |url=http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/museum/2013-02-06-on-display-peter-burghers-record-setting-quicksilver-mx1|accessdate=29 August 2015}}</ref>

== {{anchor|Quicksilver MX-1}}Variants ==

;Quicksilver C :The C model was the earliest powered version and consisted of the Quicksilver hang glider, including the weight-shift sling seat, with a [[McCulloch MAC 101]] powerplant of {{convert|12|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, a V-belt [[reduction drive]] and a {{convert|1.7|gal|L|0|abbr=on}} fuel tank. The rudder is deflected by movement of the sling seat to create a coordinated turn. The engine is mounted in [[pusher configuration]] at the [[trailing edge]] of the wing. There is no landing gear and the aircraft is foot-launched.<ref name="ClicheE29" /> ;Quicksilver E :An evolution of the C design the E is a new design which incorporates [[tricycle landing gear]], including a fixed, non-steerable nosewheel, but no brakes. Some E models have been flown on floats. The standard engine is a {{convert|20|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Cuyuna 215R]] or a [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]] [[go-cart]] engine. The E maintains the use of a weight-shift sling seat acting on the rudder, although it also acts on the elevator through a [[servo tab]] attached to the seat to boost weight-shift control authority.<ref name="ClicheE29" /> ;Quicksilver MX Sprint :The Sprint is an evolution of the E model, with a fixed seat and three-axis controls and a steerable nosewheel. The Sprint features a cable-braced single surface wing and 2/3 span [[aileron]]s. The standard engine is the {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 447]] which gives a cruise speed of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="ClicheB47" /><ref name="KitplanesDec1998">Downey, Julia: ''1999 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, pages 63-64. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851</ref><ref name="Aerocrafter">Purdy, Don: ''AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook'', page 229-230. BAI Communications. {{ISBN|0-9636409-4-1}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2007">Downey, Julia: ''2008 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007, page 53. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2011">Vandermeullen, Richard: ''2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide'', Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 67. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851</ref> ;Quicksilver MX Sport :The Sport is an evolution of the Sprint, with the addition of a double-surface wing. The standard engine is the {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 447]] which, combined with the double surface wing, gives a cruise speed of {{convert|53|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="ClicheB47" /><ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /><ref name="WDLA15">Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: ''World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16''. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref>{{rp|121}} ;Quicksilver MX-2 Sprint :The MX-2 Sprint is a two-seat in side-by-side configuration ultralight trainer that features a cable-braced single surface wing. The standard engine is the {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]] which gives a cruise speed of {{convert|51|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. The [[Rotax 582]] engine of {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} is optional.<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /><ref name="ClicheB94">Cliche, 2001, page B-94</ref> ;Quicksilver MXL-2 Sport :The MXL-2 Sport is a two-seat in side-by-side configuration ultralight trainer that features a cable-braced double surface wing. The standard engine is the {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]] which, combined with the double surface wing, gives a cruise speed of {{convert|54|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. The [[Rotax 582]] engine of {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} is optional.<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /><ref name="ClicheB94" /> ;Quicksilver Sport II :The Sport II is a two-seat in side-by-side configuration ultralight trainer that features a [[strut]]-braced double surface wing. The standard engine is the {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]] which, combined with the double surface wing, gives a cruise speed of {{convert|54|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. The [[Rotax 582]] engine of {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} is optional.<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="ClicheB94" /> ;Quicksilver Sport 2S :Updated and developed version of the Sport II with a wider tailboom, 68" propeller, increased gross weight and the [[Rotax 582]] engine of {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} as standard.<ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /><ref name="Sport2S">{{Cite web|url=http://www.quicksilveraircraft.com/SportIIS.html |title=The Sport 2S is the latest evolution in Quicksilver's open cockpit design. |accessdate=18 November 2010 |last=Quicksilver Aircraft |date=n.d. |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129045734/http://quicksilveraircraft.com/SportIIS.html |archivedate=29 November 2010 }}</ref> ;Quicksilver Sport 2SE :Version for the US [[light-sport aircraft]] category, introduced in 2014, with the [[Rotax 582]] {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} engine. The model is a [[Federal Aviation Administration]] approved special light-sport aircraft.<ref name="FAASLSA">{{cite web|url = https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/media/SLSA_Directory.xlsx|title = SLSA Make/Model Directory|accessdate = 17 March 2017|last = Federal Aviation Administration|author-link = Federal Aviation Administration|date = 26 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="WDLA15"/>{{rp|75}}

==Specifications (Quicksilver MX Sport)== {{Aircraft specs |ref=Quicksilver Ultralight.com<ref name="Quickspecs">{{cite web|url = http://www.quicksilverultralight.com/aircraft/single_seat_sprint_spec_1.htm|title = Sprint Specifications|accessdate = 2009-11-05|last = Ultralight Aircraft of Iowa Website|author-link = |date = n.d.}}</ref> |prime units?=imp  |genhide=

|perfhide=

|max speed kmh= |max speed mph=54 |max speed kts= |max speed note= |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph=50 |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh= |stall speed mph=24 |stall speed kts= |stall speed note= |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed mph=65 |never exceed speed kts= |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed mph= |minimum control speed kts= |minimum control speed note= |range km= |range miles= |range nmi= |range note= |endurance= |ceiling m= |ceiling ft=14000 |ceiling note= |g limits= |roll rate= |glide ratio= |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin=900 |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |sink rate ms= |sink rate ftmin= |sink rate note= |lift to drag= |wing loading kg/m2= |wing loading lb/sqft= |wing loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass= |thrust/weight= |more performance= |avionics=*none }}

==Comparable aircraft== *[[AmEagle American Eaglet]] *[[Avid Champion]] *[[Birdman TL-1]] *[[Chotia Weedhopper]] *[[Kolb Flyer]] *[[Milholland Legal Eagle]] *[[Mitchell U-2 Superwing]] *[[Pterodactyl Ascender]] *[[UFM Easy Riser]] *[[Ultraflight Lazair]] *[[Zenair Zipper]]

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography== * Cliche, Andre: ''Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide'' 8th Edition. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|0-9680628-1-4}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *{{Official website|http://www.quicksilveraircraft.com/}} {{Quicksilver Aircraft}}https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quad_City_Challenger [[Category:1970s United States ultralight aircraft]] [[Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft]] [[Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear]] [[Category:High-wing aircraft]] [[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]