| 
    | 
   
   
     
       
         | 
       
      
        
      
      
            
            Kitfox Model 3 
      
      
        
      
      
            
            
              
            
            The 
            Kitfox Model 3 featured structural changes that were designed to 
            improve flight characteristics and provide a better platform for 
            more powerful engines like the new 80 HP Rotax 912.  A larger 
            vertical stabilizer and rudder were added, as well as larger, 
            stronger lift struts and spar carry through tubes in the fuselage.  
            The gross weight was increased to 1050 pounds, but the empty weight 
            only went up by a few pounds.  This was the last Kitfox to use the 
            original airfoil and flight control system introduced on the Model 
            1. 
            
            The 
            Model 3 was the first major attempt to aggressively deal with the 
            yaw control issue.  It should be remembered that we are not talking 
            about yaw instability, but a neutral yaw condition.  In other words, 
            it was desired to have the airplane return to straight flight after 
            pressing a rudder without having to move it back with your feet.  
            Much of this objective was achieved by increasing the size of the 
            vertical fin.  The flaperon system is identical to the Model 1 and 
            Model 2, with very similar handling characteristics.  Again, the 
            higher gross weight requires one to practice at least average 
            tailwheel skills. 
            
             
              
               
               
               specifications 
 
              
                
                powerplant 
                propeller 
                length 
                height 
                wing span 
                wing area 
                seats 
                empty weight 
                
                useful load 
                gross weight 
                fuel capacity 
                range | 
                
                
                Rotax 912 80hp 
                x 
                
                x 
                
                67 
                in 
                
                32 
                ft. 
                
                x 
                2 
                
                460 
                lbs. 
                
                590 
                lbs. 
                
                1050 
                lbs. 
                
                x 
                
                x | 
               
             
            
            performance 
            
             
            
              
                
                takeoff distance, 
                ground roll 
                rate of climb 
                max speed 
                cruise speed 
                landing distance, ground roll 
                
                
                service ceiling | 
                
                x 
                
                x 
                x 
                
                85 
                mph 
                x 
                x | 
               
             
            
            limiting and recommended speeds
             
            
              
                
                design manoeuvring speed (Va) 
                never exceed speed (Vne) 
                stall, power off (Vsl) 
                landing approach speed  | 
                
                
                x 
                
                100 
                mph 
                
                30 
                mph 
                x | 
               
             
            All specifications are based on manufacturer's 
            calculations 
   | 
               
              
 
      
      
              
             | 
        
      
    
    |