Overview: The CT-4E Air Trainer is a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing, all-metal, fully aerobatic monoplane designed for ab-initio training. It features a robust fixed tricycle undercarriage and is powered by a Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5 engine with 300 horsepower, driving a Hartzell three-blade propeller.
Weights: The basic empty weight is 1,700 lb (770 kg), with a maximum gross weight of 2,600 lb (1,180 kg). Stowage capacity varies between 170 lb (77 kg) for utility and 100 lb (45 kg) for aerobatic categories.
Performance: The
aircraft has a take-off ground roll of 600 ft (182 m) and a landing run of 553 ft (169 m). It boasts a rate of climb of 1,830 ft/min (558 m/min) and a service ceiling of 18,200 ft (5,547 m).
Air Speeds: Maximum speed is 209 kias (387 km/h), with a stall speed of 54 kias (100 km/h) and a maximum manoeuvring speed of 148 kias (274 km/h).
Specifications: The CT-4E features side-by-side seating for two, with G limits of +6g to -3g. It includes Garmin avionics, a jettisonable canopy, and parachutes for the crew. Refueling is done overwing.
Dimensions: The wing gross area is 129 sq ft, with various other control surfaces detailed. The cabin dimensions are 3.64 ft (1.11 m) wide, 8.93 ft (2.72 m) long, and 3.83 ft (1.17 m) high.
Design and Construction: The aircraft is built to Federal Aviation Agency Part 23 standards for
aerobatic aircraft and meets many British Military AVP970 requirements. It is designed for easy maintenance and repair.
Conclusion: The CT-4E Air Trainer is marketed as a versatile and competitive basic training aircraft, excelling in climb, speed, turn, rate of roll, endurance, and payload compared to similar aircraft in its price range.