Advanced Aeromarine Sierra
The Advanced Aeromarine Sierra was an American high-wing, strut-braced, single-seat, glider that was designed and produced by Advanced Aeromarine, as a kit for amateur construction.
Design and development
The Sierra was intended as a lightweight and affordable glider with modest performance that could be launched by ultralight aircraft aerotow, auto-tow, winch-launch or bungee launch. It first flew in March 1991.The aircraft was made from aluminium tube, fabric and composites. Its span wing was supported by a lift strut and jury struts. The glide ratio was 25:1 and had a landing roll of. The landing gear was tandem wheels, plus a tail caster. The completion time from the factory kit was rated as 150 hours.
Although very light, with a standard empty weight of, the Sierra did not qualify under the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations as a hang glider, neither was it foot-launchable. Only one prototype had been reported as completed by December 1998.