The Thor T/A is a Canadian
ultralight aircraft
Ultralight aviation (called microlight aviation in some countries) is the flying of lightweight, 1- or 2-seat fixed-wing aircraft. Some countries differentiate between weight-shift control and conventional three-axis control aircraft with ailer ...
that was designed by Thorsten B. Strenger (or possibly Gunter Webster) and produced by
Thor Air of
Weston,
Ontario. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for
amateur construction.
[Cliche, Andre: ''Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide'' 8th Edition, page E-41. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ]
Design and development
The aircraft was designed to comply with the US
FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles
Ultralight aircraft in the United States are much smaller and lighter than ultralight aircraft as defined by all other countries.
In the United States, ultralights are described as "ultralight vehicles" and not as aircraft. They are not requ ...
rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of . The aircraft has a standard empty weight of . It features a
strut-braced
In aeronautics, bracing comprises additional structural members which stiffen the functional airframe to give it rigidity and strength under load. Bracing may be applied both internally and externally, and may take the form of strut, which act in ...
high-wing, a single-seat, open cockpit,
conventional landing gear and a single engine in
tractor configuration.
The aircraft is made from bolted-together
aluminum tubing, with its flying surfaces covered in
Dacron sailcloth. Its 80% double-surface span wing is braced with "V"
lift struts. The pilot is accommodated on an open seat, protected by a simple windshield. The
landing gear has suspension on the main wheels and features a steerable tailwheel. The three axis control system is unusual. Pitch and roll are conventionally controlled with
elevator and rudder, while roll is controlled with tip rudders.
Variants
;T/A
:Initial design, powered by a
Rotax 277 single cylinder,
two-stroke powerplant.
;1-A
:Up-engined model, powered by a
Rotax 447 twin cylinder,
two-stroke powerplant.
;Two-seater
:Similar to the single-seat models but with a second seat for dual instruction.
Specifications (T/A)
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thor T A
1980s Canadian ultralight aircraft
Homebuilt aircraft
Single-engined tractor aircraft