Lucas L8

The Lucas L8, also called the L 8 and L-8, is a French amateur-built aircraft that was designed by Emile Lucas of Lagny-le-Sec. The aircraft is supplied in the form of plans for amateur construction.[1][2]

L8
Role Amateur-built aircraft
National origin France
Designer Emile Lucas
Status Plans available (2015)
Unit cost
€460 (plans only, 2015)

Design and development

The L8 is the most popular Lucas design. It features a cantilever low-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy, fixed or optionally retractable tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]

The aircraft is made from sheet aluminum. Its 8 m (26.2 ft) span wing has an area of 10 m2 (110 sq ft) and flaps. The standard engine used is the 180 hp (134 kW) Lycoming O-360 four-stroke powerplant which provides a cruise speed of 260 km/h (160 mph) for the retractable gear model.[1][2]

Specifications (L8 retractable)

Data from Bayerl and Tacke[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 8 m (26 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 10 m2 (110 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 510 kg (1,124 lb)
  • Gross weight: 850 kg (1,874 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 140 litres (31 imp gal; 37 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-360 four cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 130 kW (180 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed constant speed propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 290 km/h (180 mph, 160 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 260 km/h (160 mph, 140 kn)
  • Stall speed: 100 km/h (62 mph, 54 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 7 m/s (1,400 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 85.0 kg/m2 (17.4 lb/sq ft)

References
  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 100. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 106. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
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