Titan Tornado

{{Short description|American kit aircraft}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}} {{Use American English|date=September 2022}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = Titan Tornado | logo = | logo_size = | image = Titan Tornado II N291TT.JPG | alt = | caption = Tornado II | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = [[Kit aircraft]] | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = [[United States]] | manufacturer = [[Titan Aircraft]] | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = In production | owners = | primary_user = | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = 1994–present | introduction = 1994 | retired = | first_flight = | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = [[Earthstar Thunder Gull J]] | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Titan Tornado''' is large family of cantilever [[high-wing]], [[pusher configuration]], [[tricycle gear]]-equipped [[kit aircraft]] manufactured by [[Titan Aircraft]] of [[Austinburg, Ohio]], for amateur construction.<ref name="Cliche">Cliche, Andre: ''Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide'' 8th Edition, pages B-62 and B-108. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|0-9680628-1-4}}</ref><ref name="TitanHome">{{Cite web|url = http://www.titanaircraft.com/|title = Welcome to Titan Aircraft|accessdate = 27 January 2011|last = [[Titan Aircraft]]|authorlink = |year = 2011}}</ref><ref name="Aerocrafter">Purdy, Don: ''AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook'', pages 274-275. BAI Communications. {{ISBN|0-9636409-4-1}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec1998">Downey, Julia: ''1999 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, pages 72-73. Primedia Publications. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2000">Downey, Julia: ''2001 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 12, December 2000, page 78. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2001">Downey, Julia: ''2002 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 18, Number 12, December 2001, page 70. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2003">Newby-Gonzalez, Tori: ''2004 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 20, Number 12, December 2003, page 80. Belvoir Publications. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2004">Downey, Julia: ''2005 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 21, Number 12, December 2004, page 83-84. Belvoir Publications. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2007">Downey, Julia: ''2008 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007, pages 75-76. Primedia Publications. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}</ref><ref name="WDLA04">Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04'', page 164. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref><ref name="KitplanesDec2011">Vandermeullen, Richard: ''2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide'', Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 73. Belvoir Publications. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}</ref>

==Design and development== The first in the Tornado series, the Tornado 103, which started development in 1990, was introduced in 1994 and designed to fit into the US [[FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles]] category, meeting the {{convert|254|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} empty weight limit. If equipped with a light enough engine the Tornado 103 could qualify as a US ultralight.<ref name="Cliche" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" />

The Tornado borrows from the design of the [[Earthstar Thunder Gull J]] and shares a similar [[cantilever]] wing of small area, keeping stall speeds low by use of [[Flap (aircraft)|flaps]]. This low drag design manages high cross country speeds as a result. The cockpit is constructed from [[4130 steel]], while the [[fuselage]] boom tube and the wings are built from [[aluminium]]. Unlike the Gull's wing, which is [[aircraft fabric]]-covered or optionally finished in sheet aluminium,<ref name="ClicheGull">Cliche, Andre: ''Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide'' 8th Edition, page B-61. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|0-9680628-1-4}}</ref> the Tornado's wing is [[stressed skin]]. The Tornado has a [[tricycle gear|tricycle undercarriage]] with a supplemental tailwheel castor, as the aircraft sits on its tail when unoccupied.<ref name="Cliche" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" />

==Operational history== The Tornado 103 was named ''Ultralight Grand Champion'' at [[Sun 'n Fun]] 1994.<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" />

==Variants== ;Tornado 103 :The first version, a single seater, intended for the US ultralight category with a {{convert|20|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine was the {{convert|28|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 277]]. No longer in production. Reported construction time is 300 hours. Ten were reported flying in 1998.<ref name="Cliche" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /> ;Tornado Sport :Improved single seater version intended for the US homebuilt category with a {{convert|20|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine is the {{convert|52|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]]. No longer in production. Reported construction time is 300 hours. 89 were reported flying in 1999.<ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2000" /> ;Tornado MG :Single seater version intended for the US homebuilt category, with a {{convert|26|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. The wing is detachable for storage or transport. Standard engine is the {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 447]] and optional engines included the {{convert|52|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]], {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 582]], {{convert|74|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 618]] and the {{convert|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912UL]]. No longer in production. Reported construction time is 350 hours. Five were reported flying in 2011.<ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2000" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2001" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2003" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2004" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /> ;Tornado I :Improved version of the Tornado Sport, intended for the US homebuilt category or [[light-sport aircraft]] category as its standard empty weight is {{convert|375|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Standard engine is the {{convert|52|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]]. Still in production.<ref name="TitanHome" /><ref name="WDLA04" /> ;Tornado I Sport :Single seat version, intended for the US homebuilt category as its standard empty weight is {{convert|320|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Standard engine is the {{convert|52|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]]. No longer in production. 180 were reported flying in 2011.<ref name="KitplanesDec2001" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2003" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2004" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /> Reported stall speed 30mph; cruise 95mph; max speed 113mph.<ref name="kitplanes_2015_buyersguide">''Kitplanes 2015 Buyers Guide,'' p.51</ref> [[File:Titan Tornado II Photo 1.jpg|thumb|right|Tornado II]] ;Tornado II :Two seats in [[tandem]] version, intended for the previous US ultralight trainer category and presently for the US homebuilt and light-sport categories. It has a {{convert|23.5|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine is the {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 582]] and cruise speed is {{convert|100|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} with that engine. Acceptable power range is {{convert|52|to|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The {{convert|60|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[HKS 700E]] [[four-stroke]] engine has also been used. Still in production. Reported construction time is 350 hours. 120 were reported flying in 1998.<ref name="Cliche" /><ref name="TitanHome" /><ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2000" /><ref name="WDLA04" /><ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12'', page 124. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref> ;Tornado II Trainer :Two seats in tandem version, intended for the previous US ultralight trainer category. It has a {{convert|23.5|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine is the {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 582]]. Acceptable power range is {{convert|52|to|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. No longer in production. Reported construction time is 350 hours. 510 were reported flying in 2011.<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2000" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2001" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2003" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2004" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /> ;Tornado II Sport :Two seats in tandem version, intended for the US homebuilt category. It has a {{convert|23.5|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine is the {{convert|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912UL]]. Acceptable power range is {{convert|50|to|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. No longer in production. Reported construction time is 350 hours. 500 were reported flying in 2003.<ref name="KitplanesDec2001" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2003" /> ;Tornado II 912 :Two seats in tandem version, intended for the US homebuilt category. It has a {{convert|23.5|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine is the {{convert|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912]] and cruise speed is {{convert|120|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} with that engine. Acceptable power range is {{convert|52|to|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. No longer in production. 145 were reported flying in 1999.<ref name="KitplanesDec2001" /> ;Tornado II FP :Two seats in tandem amphibious [[floatplane]] version, intended for the US homebuilt category with a {{convert|23.5|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine is the {{convert|74|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 618]] and cruise speed is {{convert|105|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} with that engine. Out of production. Reported construction time is 350 hours. Twelve were reported flying in 2001.<ref name="Aerocrafter" /><ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2001" /> ;Tornado MG II :Two seats in tandem version, with a {{convert|26|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. The wing is detachable for storage or transport. Standard engine is the {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 447]] and the acceptable power range is {{convert|40|to|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. No longer in production. Reported construction time is 400 hours. Eight were reported flying in 2001.<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2000" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2001" /> ;Tornado S :Two seats in tandem "stretched" fuselage version, intended for the US homebuilt and light-sport categories. It has a {{convert|23.5|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Standard engine is the {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912ULS]] and cruise speed is {{convert|120|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} with that engine. Acceptable power range is {{convert|52|to|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and alternate engines include the {{convert|52|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]], {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 582]], {{convert|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912UL]], {{convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Jabiru 2200]], or the {{convert|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Jabiru 3300]]. Still in production. Reported construction time is 300 hours. 55 reported flying in 2011.<ref name="TitanHome" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2004" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" /> [[File:Titan Toranado SS.jpg|thumb|right|Titan Tornado SS]] ;Tornado SS :Two seats in tandem "super stretched" fuselage version, intended for the US homebuilt and light-sport categories. It features a longer and higher cockpit area with {{convert|4|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} more headroom that the Tornado II along with a bigger rear door and a full-sized back seat. It has a {{convert|26|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. Acceptable power range is {{convert|80|to|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and engines include the {{convert|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912UL]], {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912ULS]], {{convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Jabiru 2200]], or the {{convert|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Jabiru 3300]]. Still in production. Twenty reported as flying in 2011.<ref name="TitanHome" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2007" /><ref name="KitplanesDec2011" />

==Specifications (Tornado 103) == {{Aircraft specs |ref=Cliche<ref name="Cliche" /> |prime units?=imp  |genhide=

|perfhide=

|max speed kmh= |max speed mph= |max speed kts= |max speed note= |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph=60 |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh= |stall speed mph=25 |stall speed kts= |stall speed note=flaps down |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed mph= |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=120 |range nmi= |range note= |endurance= |ceiling m= |ceiling ft=10000 |ceiling note= |g limits= |roll rate= |glide ratio= |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin=850 |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= |power/mass= |thrust/weight= |more performance= |other armament= |avionics= }}

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation}} {{aircontent  |see also= |related= *[[Earthstar Thunder Gull J]] |similar aircraft= *[[Excalibur Aircraft Excalibur]] *[[Quad City Challenger]] |lists= }}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *{{Official website|http://www.titanaircraft.com/}} {{Titan Aircraft}}

[[Category:1990s United States ultralight aircraft]] [[Category:Light-sport aircraft]] [[Category:Homebuilt aircraft]] [[Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft]] [[Category:High-wing aircraft]] [[Category:Titan aircraft|Tornado]] [[Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear]] [[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]