The Vortech Sparrow was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). It features a single main rotor, a single-seat open cockpit without a windshield, tricycle landing gear, plus a tail caster. The acceptable power range is 50 to 60 hp (37 to 45 kW). The standard engine used is the twin cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke, dual-ignition 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine mounted in pusher configuration.^[1]

The aircraft fuselage is made from metal tubing. Its two-bladed rotor has a diameter of 23 ft (7.0 m). The aircraft has a typical empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg) and a gross weight of 500 lb (230 kg), giving a useful load of 246 lb (112 kg). With full fuel of 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) the payload for the pilot and baggage is 216 lb (98 kg).^[1]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 50 hp (37 kW) engine is 100 ft (30 m) and the landing roll is 50 ft (15 m).^[1]

The manufacturer estimated the construction time as 150 hours.^[1]

By 1998 the company reported that more than six kits had been sold, were completed and flying.^[1]

Data from Kitplanes^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Length: 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m)
• Empty weight: 254 lb (115 kg)
• Gross weight: 500 lb (227 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, air-cooled, two stroke aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW)
• Main rotor diameter: 23 ft 0 in (7.01 m)
• Main rotor area: 415 sq ft (38.6 m²)
• Propellers: 2-bladed wooden fixed pitch

Performance

• Maximum speed: 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kn)
• Cruise speed: 60 mph (97 km/h, 52 kn)
• Range: 86 mi (139 km, 75 nmi)
• Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)
• Disk loading: 1.2 lb/sq ft (5.9 kg/m²)

• List of rotorcraft