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{{Short description|American glider}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2022}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
| name=Pioneer
| name=Pioneer
| image=Pioneer IId talihina.jpg
| image=Pioneer IId talihina.jpg
| caption=Pioneer IId
| caption=Pioneer IId
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
| type=[[Glider (sailplane)|Glider]]
| type=[[Glider (sailplane)|Glider]]
| national origin=[[United States]]
| national origin=[[United States]]
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| more users= <!--Limited to three in total; separate using <br /> -->
| more users= <!--Limited to three in total; separate using <br /> -->
| produced= <!--years in production-->
| produced= <!--years in production-->
| number built=1 (Pioneer I)<br />15 (Pioneer 2)
| number built=1 (Pioneer I)<br /> at least 16 (Pioneer II)<ref name=JAWA88-89/>
| program cost= <!--Total program cost-->
| unit cost= <!--Incremental or flyaway cost for military or retail price for commercial aircraft-->
| developed from= [[Marske XM-1]]
| developed from= [[Marske XM-1]]
| variants with their own articles=
| variants with their own articles=
}}
}}
|}
|}
The '''Marske Pioneer''' is a family of [[United States|American]], single-seat, [[mid-wing]], [[flying wing]] [[Glider (sailplane)|gliders]] that was designed by [[Jim Marske]]. The Pioneer II version was available as plans and in kit form from [[Marske Aircraft Corporation]] for [[Homebuilt aircraft|amateur construction]].<ref name="SD"> {{Cite web|url = http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?planeID=263|title = Pioneer II Marske |accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = Activate Media|authorlink = |year = 2006}}</ref><ref name="SoaringNov83">Said, Bob: ''1983 Sailplane Directory, [[Soaring Magazine]]'', pages 15 and 46. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920</ref><ref name="WDLA04">Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04'', page 57-58. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X</ref>
The '''Marske Pioneer''' is a family of [[United States|American]], single-seat, [[mid-wing]], [[tailless aircraft|tailless]] [[Glider (sailplane)|gliders]] that was designed by [[Jim Marske]]. The Pioneer II version was available as plans and in kit form from [[Marske Aircraft Corporation]] for [[Homebuilt aircraft|amateur construction]].<ref name="SD">{{Cite web|url = http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?planeID=263|title = Pioneer II Marske|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = Activate Media|authorlink = |year = 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120405061238/http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?planeID=263|archive-date = 5 April 2012|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="SoaringNov83">Said, Bob: ''1983 Sailplane Directory, [[Soaring Magazine]]'', pages 15 and 46. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920</ref><ref name="WDLA04">Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04'', page 57-58. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X</ref>

==Design and development==
==Design and development==
The first Pioneer began as an aircraft construction project of Walt MacFarlane in 1965, but he did not complete the aircraft. The partially completed project was purchased by Bill Daniels and Jim Marske in 1967, who completed it and first flew the aircraft in 1968. That prototype, serial number 1, registered N7910 was still registered to Daniels in 2011.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" /><ref name="FAAReg"> {{Cite web|url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=7910|title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|authorlink = |year = 2011|month = March}}</ref>
The first Pioneer began as an aircraft construction project of Walt MacFarlane in 1965, but he did not complete the aircraft. The partially completed project was purchased by Bill Daniels and Jim Marske in 1967, who completed it and first flew the aircraft in 1968. That prototype, serial number 1, registered N7910 was still registered to Daniels in 2011.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" /><ref name="FAAReg">{{Cite web|url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=7910|title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|authorlink = |date=March 2011}}</ref>


In its original configuration the Pioneer had a {{convert|40|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. The aircraft was constructed with a wood and [[Aircraft fabric covering|doped fabric]] wing, with the [[fuselage]] made from steel tube and [[fiberglass]]. The design features a fixed monowheel landing gear, [[Flap (aircraft)|flaps]] for glide-path control and [[Spoiler (aeronautics)|spoilers]] for roll control instead of the more usual [[aileron]]s.<ref name="SoaringNov83" /><ref name="WDLA04" />
In its original configuration the Pioneer had a {{convert|40|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan. The aircraft was constructed with a wood and [[Aircraft fabric covering|doped fabric]] wing, with the [[fuselage]] made from steel tube and [[fiberglass]]. The design features a fixed monowheel landing gear, [[Flap (aircraft)|flaps]] for glide-path control and [[Spoiler (aeronautics)|spoilers]] for roll control instead of the more usual [[aileron]]s.<ref name="SoaringNov83" /><ref name="WDLA04" />


The original Pioneer was modified with wing extensions, bringing the span to {{convert|46|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} and it was re-designated the Pioneer 1A. In this configuration the aircraft can fly as slowly as {{convert|28|kn|km/h|0|abbr=on}} or as fast as {{convert|140|kn|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />
The original Pioneer was modified with wing extensions, bringing the span to {{convert|46|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} and it was re-designated the Pioneer IA. In this configuration the aircraft can fly as slowly as {{convert|28|kn|km/h|0|abbr=on}} or as fast as {{convert|140|kn|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />


The original design was simplified for homebuilt construction, retaining the wood and fabric wing construction, but the fuselage was changed to a fiberglass structure. The wingspan was shortened to {{convert|42.64|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} to allow the wings to be built in a standard {{convert|20|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} deep garage. Unlike on the original design, roll control was changed to ailerons, with upper surface spoilers paired with lower surface [[dive brake]]s for glidepath control. Because the aircraft is tailless the [[centre of gravity]] range is very narrow. To simplify weight and balance considerations the monowheel landing gear is located on the desired C of G and the pilot's seat is adjustable fore-and-aft. The pilot simply moves the seat until the aircraft balances on the wheel to ensure that the balance is within the center-of-gravity range. The empty weight is {{convert|390|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} with a gross weight of {{convert|630|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. The aircraft manages a 35:1 glide ratio and a minimum sink of {{convert|2.26|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />
The original design was simplified for homebuilt construction, retaining the wood and fabric wing construction, but the fuselage was changed to a fiberglass structure. The wingspan was shortened to {{convert|42.64|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} to allow the wings to be built in a standard {{convert|20|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} deep garage. Unlike on the original design, roll control was changed to ailerons, with upper surface spoilers paired with lower surface [[dive brake]]s for glidepath control. Because the aircraft is tailless the [[centre of gravity]] range is very narrow. To simplify weight and balance considerations the monowheel landing gear is located on the desired C of G and the pilot's seat is adjustable fore-and-aft. The pilot simply moves the seat until the aircraft balances on the wheel to ensure that the balance is within the center-of-gravity range. The empty weight is {{convert|390|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} with a gross weight of {{convert|630|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. The aircraft manages a 35:1 glide ratio and a minimum sink of {{convert|2.26|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />
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Starting in 1972 the Pioneer II was made available as plans or as a kit. The kit included a pre-made fiberglass fuselage shell. Reported building times range from 600 to 2000 hours. At least one Pioneer II was modified with a {{convert|45.93|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />
Starting in 1972 the Pioneer II was made available as plans or as a kit. The kit included a pre-made fiberglass fuselage shell. Reported building times range from 600 to 2000 hours. At least one Pioneer II was modified with a {{convert|45.93|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />


Marske has built a prototype Pioneer III, an all-composite variant of the basic design. The Pioneer III is intended to be {{convert|100|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} lighter than the Pioneer II, produce a 20% drag reduction and be optimized for flight in weak lift conditions.<ref name="MarskeAbout"> {{Cite web|url =http://www.marskeaircraft.com/aboutus.html|title = About Jim Marske|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = Marske|first = Jim|authorlink = |year = undated}}</ref>
Marske has built a prototype Pioneer III, an all-composite variant of the basic design. The Pioneer III is intended to be {{convert|100|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} lighter than the Pioneer II, produce a 20% drag reduction and be optimized for flight in weak lift conditions.<ref name="MarskeAbout">{{Cite web|url = http://www.marskeaircraft.com/aboutus.html|title = About Jim Marske|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = Marske|first = Jim|authorlink = |year = n.d.|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101127055747/http://www.marskeaircraft.com/aboutus.html|archive-date = 27 November 2010|url-status = dead}}</ref>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
Pioneer IIs have made flights of over {{convert|300|mi|km|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SoaringNov83" />
Pioneer IIs have made flights of over {{convert|300|mi|km|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SoaringNov83" />


In March 2011 there were seven Pioneer IIs registered in the USA, along with the original Pioneer IA and the prototype Pioneer 3.<ref name="FAAReg2"> {{Cite web|url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=PIONEER+II&PageNo=1|title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|authorlink = |year = 2011|month = March}}</ref><ref name="FAAReg3"> {{Cite web|url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=41699|title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|authorlink = |year = 2011|month = March}}</ref> In March 2011 there were four Pioneer IIs registered in Canada.<ref name="TCCAR"> {{Cite web|url = http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp|title = Canadian Civil Aircraft Register|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = [[Transport Canada]]|authorlink = |year = 2011|month = March}}</ref>
In March 2011 there were seven Pioneer IIs registered in the US, along with the original Pioneer IA and the prototype Pioneer 3.<ref name="FAAReg2">{{Cite web|url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=PIONEER+II&PageNo=1|title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|authorlink = |date=March 2011}}</ref><ref name="FAAReg3">{{Cite web|url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=41699|title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|authorlink = |date=March 2011}}</ref> In March 2011 there were four Pioneer IIs registered in Canada.<ref name="TCCAR">{{Cite web|url=http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp |title=Canadian Civil Aircraft Register |accessdate=20 March 2011 |last=[[Transport Canada]] |date=March 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718042755/http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp |archivedate=18 July 2011 }}</ref>


==Variants==
==Variants==
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;Pioneer II
;Pioneer II
:Redesigned model for home-building, with {{convert|42.64|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />
:Redesigned model for home-building, with {{convert|42.64|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan<ref name="SD" /><ref name="SoaringNov83" />
;Pioneer IIA
:root:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 23012R]]; tip:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 23010R]], with short canopy.<ref name=JAWA88-89>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89 |year=1988 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |isbn=0-7106-0867-5 |editor=John W.R. Taylor|page=642}}</ref>
;Pioneer IIB
:root:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 33012R]]; tip:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 33010R]], with a longer canopy.<ref name=JAWA88-89/>
;Pioneer IIC
:modified root:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 33012R]]; tip:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 33010R]] sections, with structural refinements and improvements in the cockpit area.<ref name=JAWA88-89/>
;Pioneer IID
;Pioneer IID
:Modified Pioneer II with swept vertical tail and a modified wing leading edge, giving a glide ratio of 35:1.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="WDLA04" />
:Modified Pioneer II with swept vertical tail and a modified wing leading edge, giving a glide ratio of 35:1.<ref name="SD" /><ref name="WDLA04" />
[[File:KN Marske Pioneer3-Prototype.JPG|thumb|right|Pioneer III prototype]]
;Pioneer III
;Pioneer III
:Improved model with swept tail and all-composite construction and a {{convert|49.2|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan, prototype registered in 2004.<ref name="WDLA04" /><ref name="MarskeAbout" /><ref name="FAAReg3" /><ref name="Marske"> {{Cite web|url = http://www.marskeaircraft.com/flyingwings.html|title = The Flying Wings of Jim Marske|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = Marske|first = Jim|authorlink = |year = undated}}</ref>
:Improved model with swept tail and all-composite construction and a {{convert|49.2|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wingspan, prototype registered in 2004.<ref name="WDLA04" /><ref name="MarskeAbout" /><ref name="FAAReg3" /><ref name="Marske">{{Cite web|url = http://www.marskeaircraft.com/flyingwings.html|title = The Flying Wings of Jim Marske|accessdate = 20 March 2011|last = Marske|first = Jim|authorlink = |year = n.d.|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051231065821/http://www.marskeaircraft.com/flyingwings.html|archive-date = 31 December 2005|url-status = dead}}</ref>
'''Pioneer IV'''


Pioneer III fuselage with retractable gear and all new racing wing, built by Kollman Composites. New glide ratio of 48:1 and good high speed performance.
==Specifications (Pioneer 1A) ==

==Specifications (Pioneer IIC) ==
{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Soaring<ref name="SoaringNov83" />
|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89<ref name=JAWA88-89/>
|prime units?=kts
|prime units?=imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show -->
<!--
<!--
General characteristics
General characteristics
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|capacity=
|capacity=
|length m=
|length m=
|length ft=
|length ft=12
|length in=
|length in=6
|length note=
|length note=
|span m=
|span m=
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|span note=
|span note=
|height m=
|height m=
|height ft=
|height ft=6
|height in=
|height in=6
|height note=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=190
|wing area sqft=144
|wing area note=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=10.9:1
|aspect ratio=12.6:1
|airfoil=modified root:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 33012R]]; tip:[[NACA airfoil|NACA 33010R]] sections
|airfoil=[[NACA]] 23112
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=420
|empty weight lb=360
|empty weight note=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=700
|gross weight lb=650
|gross weight note=
|gross weight note=
|more general=
|more general=
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|max speed kmh=
|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=140
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|max speed note=
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|stall speed kts=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed kmh=209
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=in rough and smooth air
*'''Max aero-tow speed:''' {{convert|161|kph|kn mph|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
*'''Max winch-launch speed:''' {{convert|113|kph|kn mph|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
|g limits=+5.3 -2.65
|roll rate=
|glide ratio=35:1
*'''Best glide speed:''' {{convert|97|km/h|kn mph|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
|sink rate ms=0.7
|sink rate ftmin=
|sink rate note=
*'''Minimum sink speed:''' {{convert|72|km/h|kn mph|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=22
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}
'''Pioneer IV specs'''{{Aircraft specs
|ref=
|prime units?=kts
<!--
General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=one
|capacity=
|length m=
|length ft=
|length in=
|length note=
|span m=
|span ft=49.2
|span in=
|span note=
|height m=
|height ft=
|height in=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=137
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=18.5
|airfoil=Root: M-451, Tip M-35a
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=450
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=960
|gross weight note=Pilot: 260 LBS, Water: 250 LBS.
|more general=
<!--
Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed mph=130
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=23:1
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=150
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|never exceed speed note=
|g limits=
|g limits=
|roll rate=
|roll rate=
|glide ratio=34:1 at 60 mph
|glide ratio=48:1
|sink rate ms=
|sink rate ms=
|sink rate ftmin=120
|sink rate ftmin=
|sink rate note=
|sink rate note=

|lift to drag=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=3.6
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|wing loading note=
|more performance=
|more performance=
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*[http://www.marskeaircraft.com/images/P2Mike%20Hostage1a.jpg Photo of Pioneer II]
*[http://www.marskeaircraft.com/images/P2Mike%20Hostage1a.jpg Photo of Pioneer II]
{{Marske Aircraft}}
{{Marske Aircraft}}

{{Aviation lists}}
[[Category:United States sailplanes 1960–1969]]
[[Category:1960s United States sailplanes]]
[[Category:Marske aircraft|Pioneer]]
[[Category:Marske aircraft|Pioneer]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1968]]
[[Category:Tailless aircraft]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:2010s United States sailplanes|Marske Pioneer III/Kollman Pioneer IV]]

Latest revision as of 01:38, 28 November 2024

Pioneer
Pioneer IId
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Marske Aircraft Corporation
Designer Jim Marske
First flight 1968
Number built 1 (Pioneer I)
at least 16 (Pioneer II)[1]
Developed from Marske XM-1

The Marske Pioneer is a family of American, single-seat, mid-wing, tailless gliders that was designed by Jim Marske. The Pioneer II version was available as plans and in kit form from Marske Aircraft Corporation for amateur construction.[2][3][4]

Design and development

[edit]

The first Pioneer began as an aircraft construction project of Walt MacFarlane in 1965, but he did not complete the aircraft. The partially completed project was purchased by Bill Daniels and Jim Marske in 1967, who completed it and first flew the aircraft in 1968. That prototype, serial number 1, registered N7910 was still registered to Daniels in 2011.[2][3][5]

In its original configuration the Pioneer had a 40 ft (12.2 m) wingspan. The aircraft was constructed with a wood and doped fabric wing, with the fuselage made from steel tube and fiberglass. The design features a fixed monowheel landing gear, flaps for glide-path control and spoilers for roll control instead of the more usual ailerons.[3][4]

The original Pioneer was modified with wing extensions, bringing the span to 46 ft (14.0 m) and it was re-designated the Pioneer IA. In this configuration the aircraft can fly as slowly as 28 kn (52 km/h) or as fast as 140 kn (259 km/h).[2][3]

The original design was simplified for homebuilt construction, retaining the wood and fabric wing construction, but the fuselage was changed to a fiberglass structure. The wingspan was shortened to 42.64 ft (13.0 m) to allow the wings to be built in a standard 20 ft (6.1 m) deep garage. Unlike on the original design, roll control was changed to ailerons, with upper surface spoilers paired with lower surface dive brakes for glidepath control. Because the aircraft is tailless the centre of gravity range is very narrow. To simplify weight and balance considerations the monowheel landing gear is located on the desired C of G and the pilot's seat is adjustable fore-and-aft. The pilot simply moves the seat until the aircraft balances on the wheel to ensure that the balance is within the center-of-gravity range. The empty weight is 390 lb (177 kg) with a gross weight of 630 lb (286 kg). The aircraft manages a 35:1 glide ratio and a minimum sink of 2.26 ft/s (0.69 m/s).[2][3]

Starting in 1972 the Pioneer II was made available as plans or as a kit. The kit included a pre-made fiberglass fuselage shell. Reported building times range from 600 to 2000 hours. At least one Pioneer II was modified with a 45.93 ft (14.0 m) wingspan.[2][3]

Marske has built a prototype Pioneer III, an all-composite variant of the basic design. The Pioneer III is intended to be 100 lb (45 kg) lighter than the Pioneer II, produce a 20% drag reduction and be optimized for flight in weak lift conditions.[6]

Operational history

[edit]

Pioneer IIs have made flights of over 300 mi (483 km).[3]

In March 2011 there were seven Pioneer IIs registered in the US, along with the original Pioneer IA and the prototype Pioneer 3.[7][8] In March 2011 there were four Pioneer IIs registered in Canada.[9]

Variants

[edit]
Pioneer I
Original model, 40 ft (12.2 m) wingspan[3]
Pioneer IA
Original model with extended 46 ft (14.0 m) wingspan[3]
Pioneer II
Redesigned model for home-building, with 42.64 ft (13.0 m) wingspan[2][3]
Pioneer IIA
root:NACA 23012R; tip:NACA 23010R, with short canopy.[1]
Pioneer IIB
root:NACA 33012R; tip:NACA 33010R, with a longer canopy.[1]
Pioneer IIC
modified root:NACA 33012R; tip:NACA 33010R sections, with structural refinements and improvements in the cockpit area.[1]
Pioneer IID
Modified Pioneer II with swept vertical tail and a modified wing leading edge, giving a glide ratio of 35:1.[2][4]
Pioneer III prototype
Pioneer III
Improved model with swept tail and all-composite construction and a 49.2 ft (15.0 m) wingspan, prototype registered in 2004.[4][6][8][10]

Pioneer IV

Pioneer III fuselage with retractable gear and all new racing wing, built by Kollman Composites. New glide ratio of 48:1 and good high speed performance.

Specifications (Pioneer IIC)

[edit]

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)
  • Wingspan: 46 ft 0 in (14.02 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
  • Wing area: 144 sq ft (13.4 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 12.6:1
  • Airfoil: modified root:NACA 33012R; tip:NACA 33010R sections
  • Empty weight: 360 lb (163 kg)
  • Gross weight: 650 lb (295 kg)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 113 kn (130 mph, 209 km/h) in rough and smooth air
  • Max aero-tow speed: 87 kn; 100 mph (161 km/h)
  • Max winch-launch speed: 61 kn; 70 mph (113 km/h)
  • g limits: +5.3 -2.65
  • Maximum glide ratio: 35:1
  • Best glide speed: 52 kn; 60 mph (97 km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 140 ft/min (0.7 m/s) *Minimum sink speed: 39 kn; 45 mph (72 km/h)
  • Wing loading: 4.5 lb/sq ft (22 kg/m2)

Pioneer IV specsGeneral characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 49.2 ft (15.0 m)
  • Wing area: 137 sq ft (12.7 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 18.5
  • Airfoil: Root: M-451, Tip M-35a
  • Empty weight: 450 lb (204 kg)
  • Gross weight: 960 lb (435 kg) Pilot: 260 LBS, Water: 250 LBS.

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 110 kn (130 mph, 210 km/h) 23:1
  • Never exceed speed: 130 kn (150 mph, 240 km/h)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 48:1

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e John W.R. Taylor, ed. (1988). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 642. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Activate Media (2006). "Pioneer II Marske". Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, pages 15 and 46. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  4. ^ a b c d Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 57-58. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  5. ^ Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Marske, Jim (n.d.). "About Jim Marske". Archived from the original on November 27, 2010. Retrieved March 20, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  7. ^ Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  8. ^ a b Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  9. ^ Transport Canada (March 2011). "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register". Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  10. ^ Marske, Jim (n.d.). "The Flying Wings of Jim Marske". Archived from the original on December 31, 2005. Retrieved March 20, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
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