LH Aviation LH-10 Ellipse | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Role | Light aircraft |
| First flight | 2007 |
| Built | 3 |
The LH Aviation LH-10 Ellipse is a two-seat light aircraft kitplane designed by LH Aviation of France. It is a low-wing single-engine pusher configuration with a tandem seating arrangement, and is constructed of composite materials. The plane is marketed in a surveillance configuration as the Grand Duc (Eurasian eagle-owl).
| LH-10 Ellipse Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 24 |
See also:
General Characteristics
The LH-10 Ellipse is a modern, French-designed, two-seat light aircraft, manufactured by LH Aviation (now commercialized as the IC-10). Conceived as a high-performance, low-cost platform, the Ellipse is constructed primarily of advanced composite materials (carbon fiber) to maximize strength while minimizing weight. Its design features a pusher-propeller configuration and tandem seating, giving the pilot exceptional visibility (up to 300 degrees), making it ideal for surveillance (as the LH-10 Guardian), reconnaissance, and pilot training missions. Its primary selling points are its very high cruise speed and exceptional fuel efficiency for its class.
| Property | Typical Value (LH-10 Ellipse / Guardian) |
|---|---|
| Role | Surveillance/Reconnaissance (COIN), Training, Light Transport |
| National Origin | France |
| Manufacturer | LH Aviation (now I-SEE Group) |
| First Flight | September 2007 |
| Crew | 2 (Pilot and Observer/Student) |
| Length | 5.11 m (16 ft 9 in) |
| Wingspan | 8.00 m (26 ft 3 in) |
| Empty Weight | ~300 kg (661 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 540 kg (1,190 lb) |
Powerplant and Performance
- Engine: 1 x Rotax 912 ULS flat 4-cylinder piston engine (air- and water-cooled).
- Power Output: 73.5 kW (98.6 hp).
- Propeller: 4-bladed ground adjustable pusher propeller (located at the rear).
- Maximum Speed: 370 km/h (230 mph).
- Cruise Speed: 269 km/h (167 mph).
- Stall Speed: 106 km/h (66 mph) (relatively high due to low weight and high wing loading).
- Range: Up to 1,500 km (932 mi).
- Endurance: Up to 10 hours.
- Fuel Efficiency: Very high; reported consumption is less than 7 liters per hour at cruise.
Armament and Mission Systems
- Primary Role: The LH-10 Ellipse is the primary training variant, while the LH-10 Guardian is the surveillance platform.
- Construction: Airframe constructed entirely of composite materials (carbon fiber).
- Surveillance Equipment: The Guardian version can be fitted with advanced, modular mission systems, often including:
- Day/night vision sensors (EO/IR turret).
- Communication and data link equipment (ISR).
- Potential Armament: The LH-10 Elfe (another variant) was promoted as a military support aircraft capable of carrying small external loads, and the platform has demonstrated the ability to launch rockets in testing.
- Operational Note: The LH-10 aims to provide 80% of the capability of an expensive UAV (drone) at 20% of the operating cost.
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