J 3 Kitten, Hipps J-3 Kitten ultralight aircraft, Hipp's
Superbirds J-3 Kitten ultralight aircraft kit, Hipps J3 Kitten ultra lite
plane, Ultralight News
newsmagazine.
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Single place Part 103 ultralights in the United States are defined as single
place ultralight aircraft that weigh 254 lbs or less, have a stall speed
not more than 24 knots, a top
speed of 55 knots, and carry no more than 5 gallons of fuel. To fly a
legal Part 103
ultralight aircraft in the United States the pilot does not require a
pilot license.
Single place aircraft weighing more than 254 lbs. in the U.S. require a
pilots license and must be built as experimental, amateur built,
homebuilt aircraft. These include weight shift aircraft, more commonly
known as trikes, powered parachutes, and powered para-gliders.
Single place ultralights in Canada can weigh up to 1200 lbs. and an
ultralight pilots license is required to fly them. |
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Hipps J3 Kitten
ultralight, Hipps J3 Kitten ultralight aircraft, Hipps J3 Kitten ultra lite
plane, experimental amateur built aircraft.
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J-3 Kitten
Hipp's adorable little feline will turn 12 years old come Sun 'n Fun
('twas introduced at the 1984 event, where it received the Best New
Design award). Another J-3 Cub knockoff, the J-3 Kitten is purrfect
(sorry, couldn't resist) for Sunday-afternoon aviating.
The high-wing, strut-braced Kitten uses the ever-popular Rotax 277;
it'll take off in just 50' and land in 200' (no brakes), climb at 800
fpm, and cruise at about 59 mph.
The conventional-gear monoplane combines some
composite materials with wood, tubing, and fabric, and takes only about
350 hours to build. The fully enclosed Kitten slips like a bandit when
you want to, making tight approaches a dream, and gets off the ground
rather readily... even on the smaller Rotax 277.
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The controls are light,
responsive, and accompanied by a very positive pitch stability profile
that is nearly copied by yaw and roll... making for a steady flyer for
new and occasionally unsteady flyers. Moderate adverse yaw is countered
by an extremely aggressive rudder, and the Kitten's stall personality is
downright boring—it stalls at 25 to 26 mph with little more than a light
high-frequency buffet and a very modest break that will put the fear of
God into no one. It's aptly named... this thing is a real pussy-cat.
Yes, the Kitten will spin but only with significant inducement;
standard recovery methods work exceedingly well and quite quickly.
Takeoff and landing chores are easy due to a well-designed landing, and
novice tail dragger flyers will find it not to be a hassle in either
three-point or wheel-landing style touchdowns.
The J-3 Kitten has a fairly wide wingspan of 30' and the wings are
detachable; it is 16'3" long and 5'4" tall. The Hipp's
operation is a small family affair that has garnered an excellent rep
for friendly service and uncompromising concern for customers. Not the
biggest ultralight company you'll ever see... but easily one of the
nicest to work with... just ask their builders.
Hipp's Superbirds J-3 Kitten
ZOOM REPORT: This "feline" remains a perennial
favorite of ours. Excellent ground handling, good flying manners, and a
nice stability profile meld into a responsive-but-undemanding aircraft
that the novice or experienced flyer can appreciate. Fun!
USA Aircraft Ratings: Hipps J-3 Kitten
- Design/Engineering: B.
- Ground Handling: B. Nice taildragger, fairly forgiving.
- Flight Characteristics: B+. Very enjoyable, playful bird.
 - Company Profile: B. Small company, but very dedicated.
- Kit/Plans: B-.
- Bang for the Buck: B-. Serious value for little money.
- Risk Factor: 3.
- Final Grade: B+. One of my favorite airplanes. Highly Recommended.
The above was found at: http://www.av8r.net/issues/march96/top12.htm
For more information contact:
HIPP'S SUPERBIRDS, INC.
P.O.Box 266 Saluda NC
28773 |
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Hipps J3 Kitten
ultralight, Hipps J3 Kitten ultralight aircraft, Hipps J3 Kitten ultra lite
plane, experimental amateur built aircraft.
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