sunbeam Specifications

Decavitator underwent a series of major modifications over the course of its lifetime. This page describes the basic characteristics of each version.

General Specifications
Vehicle Weight:
48 lb (22 kg)
Rider weight:
140 lb (64 kg)
Overall Length:
20 ft (6.1 m)
Overall Width:
8 ft (2.4 m)
Height (excluding propellor):
6 ft (1.8 m)
Gear Ratio:
2:1 prop-to-pedal speedup
Rider position:
semi-recumbent
Air Propellor Diameter:
10 ft (3 m)
Large Wing
Area: 140 sq in (0.09 sq m)
Span: 60 in (1.52 m)
Small Wing
Area: 42 sq in (0.027 sq m)
Span: 30 in (0.76 m)
Trim Surfaces (each of two)
Area: 7.5 sq in (0.0048 sq m)
Span: 9 in (0.23 m)
Vertical Strut Area:
10-30 sq in (0.006-0.02 sq m)

Version I
v1
main wing: V-foil
pitch control: rear elevator

Version II
v2
main wing: submerged ladder foils
pitch control: main wing, single canard

Version III
v3
main wing: submerged ladder foils
pitch control: main wing, dual canards

Version IV
v5
main wing: pivoting foils
pitch control: main wing, dual canard

Version V
v5
main wing: smaller pivoting foils
pitch control: main wing, dual canard

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