The Berkut 360 is a light multi-purpose aircraft, manufactured by the American aviation company Berkut Aircraft. It was created by Dave H. Ronneberg, based on the Rutan Long-EZ design. The Berkut 360 differed from its predecessor with retractable landing gear, a unique fuselage design, and a modernized wing.
Innovative Design and Development
The Berkut 360’s design is notably tailless; the primary function of a tail is performed by special elements located at the wingtips, similar to winglets. This design not only did not negatively impact flight safety but also made the aircraft more maneuverable, which is one of its distinguishing characteristics.
The first prototype of the aircraft (N91DR) made its maiden flight in 1989. However, initial testing concluded with a crash, leading to additional development. After a second cycle of test flights, the aircraft confirmed its reliability and entered serial production, which continued until 2009.
Performance and Applications
The Berkut 360 has a relatively narrow target application, intended primarily for private owners. The aircraft can accommodate only two people—the pilot and one passenger. Due to its structural features, transporting any cargo aboard the aircraft is not feasible.
The Berkut 360’s power plant consists of a single four-cylinder Lycoming IO-360 piston aircraft engine, with a volume of 360 cubic inches. This engine is capable of developing 180 hp, which gives the aircraft a cruising speed of 355 km/h and allows it to travel distances of up to 1980 kilometers.
Production and Commercialization
The Berkut 360 was offered to customers both as a ready-made aircraft and as kit sets for self-assembly. From 1989 to 2009, approximately 75 kits and 20 finished aircraft in several modifications were sold by Experimental Aviation, Renaissance Composites, and Berkut Aircraft. In 2007, the cost of a Berkut 360 kit was 42,910 US dollars, while the Berkut 540 kit cost 44,900 US dollars.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Berkut 360 |
| Wingspan, m | 8.13 |
| Aircraft length, m | 5.64 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.29 |
| Wing area, m2 | 10.22 |
| Empty weight | 469 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 907 |
| Fuel, l | 220 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Lycoming IO-360 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 180 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 402 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 355 |
| Practical range, km | 1974 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 610 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 7620 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the Berkut 360
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