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Technology update
Glider towing aircraft
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To replace older planes in its fleet of 530 aircraft, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has approved the purchase of 15 Maule MT-7-235 aircraft, which will be used primarily for towing the organization's gliders. "The MT-7-235 will take CAP's glider program to a higher level," said Brig. Gen. James Bobick, CAP National Commander. "The Maule aircraft are more suited to towing than the aircraft that currently make up our fleet."
The fuselage of the Maule aircraft has a truss made from 4130 Chromoly steel. Ceconite covers the fuselage and tail structures. The wings are made from aluminum and the firewall structure is made from stainless steel. The aircraft can carry a useful mission load of up to 577 lb. It has a fuel capacity of 73 gal, with auxiliary tanks that can accommodate an additional 30 gal, boosting the plane's endurance to 6.6 h. The aircraft can hold up to 250 lb of baggage and has a cabin width of 42 in.
CAP's aerial search and rescue operations also will be enhanced with the use of the Maule aircraft, which provides excess power in mountainous conditions. The Lycoming IO-235 engine enables a climb rate of 1500 ft/min, a cruising speed of 139 kts, and a service ceiling of 20,000 ft.
Frank Bokulich
Interesting? Circle 26
Not interesting? Circle 27
Aerospace Engineering September 2000
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