title: Advanced Aeromarine Sierra
text: # 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 (13.0 m) 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 (46 m). 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 (93 kg), 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
  
  ## Specifications (Sierra LS)
  
  Data from Purdy and KitPlanes
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Crew: one
  * Length: 21 ft 0 in (6.40 m)
  * Wingspan: 42 ft 7.8 in (13.000 m)
  * Wing area: 142 sq ft (13.2 $m^2)$
  * Aspect ratio: 13:1
  * Empty weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
  * Gross weight: 455 lb (206 kg)
  
  Performance
  
  * Stall speed: 27 mph (43 km/h, 23 kn)
  * Maximum glide ratio: 25:1 at 40 mph (64 km/h)
  * Wing loading: 3.2 lb/sq ft (16 $kg/m^2)$
  