Sadler Aircraft

Materials:
The Vampire is an excellent example of purpose-driven engineering. A variety of materials are used in its construction – each ideally suited for the job it must perform. It utilizes aircraft-grade aluminum, chrome-molly steel, stainless steel and space-aged composites. The resulting blend of these materials creates aviation harmony – a rugged, high-strength, lightweight aircraft; strong enough to handle the paces of a student pilot, but with a level of refinement that seasoned pilots will appreciate.

Airframe:
The Vampire airframe is the backbone of this unique aircraft. The fully redundant tail booms are each capable of supporting the empennage on their own. Anchored between the main spar and the rear control surfaces, the booms form a rigid boxed frame.

The airframe is constructed of a combination of aluminum tubes and sheets – simple materials on their own – but when combined using the unique Sadler Spar design, these materials marry to create a main spar capable of supporting over 4 tons! This means the Vampire can handle stresses of up to +/- 6 G's – the same strength typically associated with aerobatic aircraft.

In addition to the strength and weight of aluminum, the lightweight metal has another benefit. It is one of the friendliest materials in aviation to work with. This keeps maintenance and repair costs down. And, as a result, helps keep insurance premiums low as well.

Wings:
The spar, ribs, and skins of the Vampire's wings are all made of aluminum and secured with a combination of military-grade stainless steel rivets and bonding techniques. Each wing consists of two panels. Both have a constant chord with the outer panel tapering in thickness (wing tips are optional). The wing has a 62-inch chord with a total wing span of 26 feet. The combination of a large wing chord and shorter wing span creates several benefits – it broadens the center of gravity range, eliminating the need to shift weight around the aircraft depending on passenger load; additionally, it increases wing loading to provide better handling in cross winds or turbulence.

Of course, the truly unique feature of the Vampire is the folding wing system. Each wing hinges in two places, allowing the wings to be folded vertically in a fashion similar to classic aircraft-carrier-based war birds. This enables the Vampire to be easily trailered behind most vehicles. And, since the wings fold vertically, there is no shift in the Vampire's center of gravity when the wings are folded.

Pod:
The complex curvature of the Vampire pod is accomplished through the use of space-aged composites. And with an interior width of 50 inches, there is more than enough shoulder room for two during a cross-country journey.

The majority of the composite pod is non-structural and may be painted any color an owner desires – a feature typically reserved for all-metal aircraft.

Special consideration for ergonomics was taken in the design process. Everything from the placement of the flight controls to the shape of the doorways is intended to enhance pilot comfort and functionality.

Landing Gear:
While most of the Vampire is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the landing gear is chrome-molly steel. This, paired with trailing link suspension, makes landing the Vampire a friendly experience. The landing gear pivots at the main wing spar. During landings, weight is automatically transferred aft of the center of gravity as the main gear touch down, helping de-rotate the Vampire. The rubber-biscuit suspension absorbs shock gently without returning bounce. So nearly every landing you make with a Vampire will be a 'greaser.'

Seats:
Light-weight and adjustable. Need we say more? The seats have over 7 inches of travel and adjustable recline. Comfort is key in the design of the Vampire – whether you are taking a loop around the pattern or headed on a day-long cross country journey, the Vampire will get you there in comfort and style.

Fuel Tanks:
The Vampire comes standard with a single 22 gallon baffleless fuel tank. An optional second tank gives the Vampire a 44 gallon total fuel capacity. Each fuel tank is filled with specialized porous racing foam. The cellular material acts in place of traditional fuel tank baffles with several added benefits: the foam reduces weight and also acts as a fire retardant in the event the fuel is exposed to direct flame. You can literally drop a match in the fuel tank without causing an explosion in the Vampire. This is a new margin of safety in aviation.

Engine Options:
The pusher configuration and generous engine compartment of the Vampire make it possible to use many different engines in the aircraft. Early on production calls for the use of the 120 HP Jabiru 3300. However, Sadler Aircraft is looking at a variety of power plants for future development. Stay tuned!

Instruments:
Instrumentation in the Vampire falls into a number of different categories. The base model includes everything you need to legally fly VFR in uncontrolled airspace. We recognize that some pilots need more sophisticated instrumentation though. That is why Sadler Aircraft is offering a number of different pre-configured instrument packages, from the basic VFR panel all the way up to a complete glass panel. We also offer the flexibility to customize a panel to meet your own needs (within certain limitations. Consult the Vampire LSA maintenance manual for more details).

Ergonomics:
For some reason pilots have always had to compromise on form or function; particularly when it comes to creature comforts. At Sadler Aircraft we think an aircraft should be designed for form AND function – not form OR function. Everything in the Vampire has been designed so that it is easy to reach and intuitive. Controls are comfortable and accessible. Instruments are logically laid out and easily visible. The windscreen has been designed to enhance visibility wherever possible without sacrificing structural integrity. The canopy provides shade as well as overhead vents (where they can do some good for a change). We considered every detail - from the placement of air vents and switches, to how the doors hinge open - with your comfort in mind.

Baggage Space:
Storage is an often overlooked but critically important element in aircraft design. The Vampire cabin has been designed first-and-foremost to provide an excellent flying experience. The interior is clean and unobstructed.

As with most airplanes, there are nooks and crannies that can be stuffed with any number of things. There is some space behind the seats. And there is a small storage locker in the nose of the Vampire that can accommodate two smaller overnight bags (approximately 2.5 cubic feet).

Visibility - The Vampire offers excellent pilot and passenger visibility. Experience the kind of view normally associated with a helicopter or glider. The low-cut panoramic windscreen afford a near-270-degree view. And the pusher configuration means there is no engine out front to look over or through. It's just you and the sky.

Control Systems:
The Vampire utilizes a somewhat unusual control layout. Controls are all configured to avoid creating pilot obstacles. This provides for a clean and unobstructed cabin. There is nothing to step over upon entering.

Controls fall naturally where you would expect them, within easy reach of either pilot or co-pilot.

Control surfaces on the Vampire are activated via closed circuit push-pull cables. This redundant cabling design offers many benefits, including light weight, high strength, instant response and the ability to fold the Vampire's wings without disconnecting anything.