Air Creation Tanarg: Performance

The Tanarg represents the cutting edge of trike design, and coupled with the iXess wing is one of the highest performance flexwings available in the World today. With a hands-off trim speed adjustable from the stall through to 70mph+, unparalleled aerodynamic efficiency and rock-solid stability, the Tanarg is clearly the Number One flexwing aircraft for sport flying and long-distance touring. The 100Hp Rotax912S engine as standard provides the thrust necessary for incredibly short distance takeoffs and high rates of ascent, whilst the powerful three-wheel hydraulic brakes enable landing distances to be less than 30m ground roll. Finally the efficient wing even allows for engine-off soaring flight, opening up a new avenue of flying to the sport pilot.

The wing – cutting edge of flexwing design

The iXess wing provides stunning performance at both ends of the speed range, coupled with Air Creation's trademark sweet handling and poise.

Traditionally to achieve high speed requires a small wing with high wing loading, the downside of which is high stall speed and associated high speeds and distances for takeoff and landing. To fly slowly required large wings with poor handling definition and large displacements in turbulence.

The iXess achieves both high and low speed flight and predictable precise handling from just one medium sized wing. The secret is its incredible aerodynamic efficiency.

To achieve this the iXess has a number of innovative features. The exact shape of the wings' billow is controlled by a special undersurface profile strip and along with an internal membrane precisely controls the shape of the middle two thirds of the wing to achieve maximum lift coefficient. This is further enhanced with an ABS insert in the leading edge and close batten spacing to avoid profile distortion and associated efficiency losses. The washout twist in the wing necessary for handling and stability is maximised in the outer third of the wing where it can have most effect.

Profile stability is further assured with the upper surface of the wing made from tough Trilam which has excellent anti-stretch properties and is exceptionally resistant to UV degradation. Attention to detail is evident in the superb quality of the sail construction.

The wing frame is optimised for strength and has a number of CNC fittings to allow for flexure without transmitting unwanted stress into the structure.

The result is a wing which can handle loads of up to 450Kg takeoff weight and still takeoff or land in a short distance, has excellent climb rates and is comfortable cruising in the company of the slowest and fastest trikes.

Suspension, brakes and tyres – designed for ‘hors piste’ operation.

At the rear the Tanarg uses deep travel gas filled shock absorbers which have excellent energy absorption and can take large impacts in its stride and protect the structure and occupants and give a stable smooth ride over rough ground.

The front forks also have deep travel shock absorbers and borrow from motorcycle technology with leading link swing arms. These react the loads from braking and weight transfer and ensure neutral suspension deflection under the harshest of braking, leaving suspension travel available for when you really need it.

Talking of braking, the Tanarg is standard in UK specification with powerful hydraulic disk brakes on all three wheels. Coupled with the UK standard ‘Hors Piste’ wide wheels and tyres the braking efficiency is unparalleled allowing amazingly short landing roll distances. The wide tyres also allow sure footed operation from soft surfaces – a not uncommon scenario flying from grass during the British winter!

The Tanarg is designed with lowest possible Cg (centre of gravity) and wide track rear undercarriage. This increases stability on the ground and reduces the possibility of the machine tipping over on sloping ground or during aggressive manoeuvring or when taxying in a strong wind.

The cargo hold – perfect for carrying your equipment for extended touring.

The Tanarg offers large volume baggage storage, perfect for touring duties.

Behind and below the rear seat is a cavernous area for secure storage of up to 14kg of cargo. Access to this area is from folding forwards the rear seat back or from a removable side panel in the rear composite fairing.

Inside the forward composite fairing and just ahead of the passengers feet are two storage areas. These attach with zips and can easily be removed should you wish to use them as carrying bags for the items stored inside. They can take up to 5Kg of baggage each.

When flying solo you can benefit from the empty rear seat with a luggage bag that clips into place and can store another 10Kg of easily accessible large items, such as a passenger helmet and flying suit.

The Tanarg storage system has great capacity without the need for external baggage panniers which add performance reducing drag and often result in cooling problems on some aircraft.

Rigging – user friendly!

The unique construction of the Tanarg has allowed the development of the Tanarg easy one person rigging system.

The connection to the wing consists of a pylon which splits into two below the top of the rear seat. This ‘wishbone’ structure terminates with hinge points at the forwards edge of the base of the rear seat.

This transposed hinge point produces a progressive over centre action that both dramatically reduces the effort involved with raising and lowering the wing whilst also allowing the wing to travel forwards past the nose of the fairing and to be rolled forwards so that the nose of the wing can go all the way to the ground. The action is fully balanced and the trike has no roll back tendency during the operation.
Another benefit, when compared to most other trikes, is that this can be performed without the need to remove any underseat baggage. This makes wing disconnection in the face of approaching bad weather faster and more secure.

The proof of the pudding – World wide success!

The Tanarg has had its true versatility tested and confirmed with its official 2005 FAI World Championship win in the hands of Robert Grimwood and Chris Saysell.

During the Championship the ability of men and machine were tested in a variety of tasks that demand short takeoff and landing, speed, range and economy. Rob and Chris praised the ease of handling, performance and comfort of their machine which was ideal for the task at hand.

Meanwhile the Tanarg was becoming the machine of choice in flying schools over the world due to its rugged construction, ease of handling and supreme comfort, whilst providing the perfect touring machine for the seasoned pilot.

Due to these attributes the Tanarg has been a world wide sales success, with over 100 machines being produced and supplied in its first year of full production, and demand continues to grow.