Advanced Aeromarine Sierra

The Advanced Aeromarine Sierra was an American high-wing, strut-braced, single-seat, glider that was designed and produced by Advanced Aeromarine, as a kit for amateur construction.

Design and development
The Sierra was intended as a lightweight and affordable glider with modest performance that could be launched by ultralight aircraft aerotow, auto-tow, winch-launch or bungee launch. It first flew in March 1991.

The aircraft was made from aluminium tube, fabric and composites. Its 42.65 ft span wing was supported by a lift strut and jury struts. The glide ratio was 25:1 and had a landing roll of 150 ft. The landing gear was tandem wheels, plus a tail caster. The completion time from the factory kit was rated as 150 hours.

Although very light, with a standard empty weight of 205 lb, the Sierra did not qualify under the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations as a hang glider, neither was it foot-launchable. Only one prototype had been reported as completed by December 1998.

Operational history
In September 2011 there were no Sierras registered with the US Federal Aviation Administration and it is likely that none exist anymore.

Variants

 * Sierra LS
 * Main production version