Atlas C4M
| Atlas C4M Kudu | |
|---|---|
 Atlas C4M Kudu of the SAAF |
|
| Type: | Multipurpose aircraft |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: |
Atlas Aviation |
| First flight: |
February 16, 1974 |
| Commissioning: |
1975 |
| Production time: |
1974 - approx. 1980 |
| Number of pieces: |
40 |
The Atlas C4M Kudu is a single-engine, six- to eight-seat transport aircraft produced by the South African manufacturer Atlas . It is a high- wing aircraft with a fixed rear wheel landing gear and a conventional tail unit. The aircraft can be quickly converted between passenger and cargo versions. In the passenger version, four to six soldiers can be transported. Paratroopers can be set down through the sliding door on the right side of the cabin . Alternatively, up to 560 kg of freight can be transported with the machine. With another hatch in the cabin floor, the C4M Kudu can also be used for aerial surveying and for dropping supplies.
Operation is possible from unpaved slopes. The main operator is the South African Air Force (SAAF) . The design of the C4M is very similar to the Aermacchi AL.60 and the Maule Orion . The main difference between the Kudu and the AL.60 is its more economical cockpit glazing.
The civil prototype of the C4M with the registration ZS-IZG took off on February 16, 1974 on its maiden flight . The civil license according to FAR 23 was granted on June 16, 1975. The first military version started on June 18, 1975 and was then handed over to the SAAF, where it was given the serial number 961. The aircraft was unveiled to the public during the 1977 Africa Air Show.
Technical specifications
- Span: 13.075 m
- Length: 9.31 m
- Height: 3.66 m
- Wing area: 20.971 m²
- Empty weight: 1230 kg
- Starting mass max. 2040 kg
- Top speed: 259 km / h
- Service ceiling: 4270 m
- Range: 1,297 km
- Propulsion: a Lycoming GSO-480-B1B3 with 254 kW, Hartzell 3-blade propeller , 2.54 m diameter