Texas Air & Space Museum

  • Home
  • Exhibits
  • The Early Years
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • Reviews
  • Volunteer
  • Membership/Donations
  • Welcome
  • Home
  • Exhibits
  • The Early Years
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • Reviews
  • Volunteer
  • Membership/Donations
  • Welcome

Texas Air & Space Museum

Pterodactyl Ascender

Ultra light Aircraft
Picture
The design was originally a hang glider,  popular in the 70s.  By 1978  powered versions were developed.

The aircraft was available in kit form in the early 80s, with 1400 kits sold for around $4200 each.   The aircraft is unique as it is powered by a pusher propeller, has no tail, and has a canard elevator control surface located ahead of the pilots position.
The name Ascender was given as the aircraft had a improved rate of climb over previous versions,  and also in tribute to the  experimental  XP-55 Ascender fighter aircraft, also a canard design.
Our Ascender is powered by a 2 cylinder 2 stroke Cuyana 430 cc engine , developing 30 hp at 6500 RPM. The power plant  was developed from a snowmobile application, adding  a 2 to 1 belt reduction drive for the pusher propeller.

Picture
Picture

Additional military and civilian aircraft may be seen at the Texas Air & Space Museum.

Proudly powered by Weebly