The Hindustan HUL-26 Pushpak ("Flower")[1] was a 1950s Indian two-seat cabin monoplane designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, based on the Aeronca Chief.[2]

HUL-26 Pushpak
HUL-26 Pushpak displayed at HAL Museum
Role Two-seat cabin monoplane
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
First flight 1958
Primary users Aero clubs
Private pilot owners
Number built 160+
Developed from Aeronca Chief

Construction and operation

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The Pushpak was a high-wing braced monoplane with a fixed tailwheel landing gear.[2] The fuselage was built from metal tubing, the wing aluminum ribs on a wooden spar, all covered in fabric.[2] The Pushpak first flew on 28 September 1958 and was powered by a 90 hp (67 kW) Continental flat-four engine.[2]

Around 160 aircraft were produced for Indian flying clubs for use as basic trainers.[2] Two examples were gifted to Malaysia and were later sold to private pilot owners in the United Kingdom. These examples remained in active operation in 2013.[3]

Operators

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Airworthy Hindustan Pushpak privately owned in the United Kingdom

Former

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  India
  United Kingdom
  Sri Lanka

Specifications (HUL-26)

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Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 6.40 m (21 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.97 m (36 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 2.77 m (9 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 16.2 m2 (174 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 395 kg (871 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 613 kg (1,351 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 56 L (12 imp gal; 15 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental C90-8F air-cooled flat-four, 67 kW (90 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 144 km/h (89 mph, 78 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 112 km/h (70 mph, 60 kn)
  • Range: 400 km (250 mi, 220 nmi)
  • Endurance: 3 hr
  • Service ceiling: 4,270 m (14,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 2.5 m/s (500 ft/min)

See also

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Related development

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Meaning of pushpak in English".
  2. ^ a b c d e Orbis 1985, p. 2172
  3. ^ Partington 2013, p. 603
  4. ^ Taylor 1965, p. 80

Bibliography

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