Aero Boero AB-180
The Aero Boero AB-180 is a notable single-engine light aircraft developed and manufactured in Argentina by the Aero Boero company. Originally designed in the 1960s, this aircraft has found its niche in general aviation, particularly for training, touring, and agricultural applications. The AB-180 is recognized for its robustness, simplicity, and ease of maintenance, making it a preferred choice for flight schools and private owners looking for a reliable and economical aircraft.
One of the defining features of the AB-180 is its high-wing, strut-braced design, which contributes to its excellent visibility and stable flight characteristics. Powered by a Lycoming O-360 engine, the aircraft delivers a respectable performance with a cruising speed of around 110 knots and a range of approximately 500 nautical miles. The cabin is designed to comfortably accommodate two to four occupants, depending on the configuration, with straightforward and user-friendly instrumentation that appeals to both novice and experienced pilots.
In the realm of agricultural aviation, the Aero Boero AB-180 has been particularly effective due to its sturdy construction and versatility. It is often equipped with specialized equipment for crop dusting and other agricultural tasks, demonstrating its adaptability to various operational demands. Despite the competition from more modern aircraft, the AB-180’s enduring popularity is a testament to its practical design and the trust it has earned from aviators over decades of service.
Aero Boero AB-180 parameters
Here are the detailed parameters for the Aero Boero AB-180:
- General Characteristics:
- Crew: 1 (pilot)
- Capacity: 1-3 passengers (depending on configuration)
- Length: 7.13 meters (23 feet 5 inches)
- Wingspan: 10.96 meters (35 feet 11 inches)
- Height: 2.18 meters (7 feet 2 inches)
- Wing Area: 16.5 square meters (177.6 square feet)
- Empty Weight: 610 kg (1,345 lbs)
- Gross Weight: 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
- Fuel Capacity: 160 liters (42 US gallons)
- Performance:
- Engine: Lycoming O-360-A1A, four-cylinder, air-cooled piston engine
- Power Output: 180 hp (134 kW)
- Maximum Speed: 205 km/h (127 mph, 111 knots)
- Cruise Speed: 175 km/h (109 mph, 95 knots)
- Range: 800 km (497 miles, 432 nautical miles)
- Service Ceiling: 4,270 meters (14,000 feet)
- Rate of Climb: 4.2 m/s (820 ft/min)
- Takeoff Distance: 180 meters (591 feet) over 50 ft obstacle
- Landing Distance: 180 meters (591 feet) over 50 ft obstacle
- Design Features:
- Configuration: High-wing, strut-braced monoplane
- Landing Gear: Fixed tailwheel type
- Cockpit: Dual controls for training purposes
- Avionics: Basic flight instruments; can be upgraded with modern avionics for enhanced capability
- Construction: Metal structure with fabric-covered wings and tail surfaces
- Special Features: Can be equipped with agricultural gear for crop dusting, spraying, and other agricultural tasks.
These parameters make the Aero Boero AB-180 a versatile and practical choice for a variety of aviation activities, including flight training, touring, and agricultural applications.
