The Grumman lightplane line included both a 2-seat trainer and several 4-seat tourers, as well as a later 4-seat twin. Production of the Traveller (later the Tiger), began in 1971 and continued over the intervening years through several changes of ownership.
We are planning our model to be true scale in outline, and easily built as a competition model. Equally, it can be simplified a little and finished as a sport scale model. Either way, you’ll enjoy its pleasant, stable flight characteristics – just like the real thing.
Wingspan – 2070mm
Length – 1450mm
Engine – .60 – .75 2-stroke, 120 – 160 4-stroke
Channels – 4
Servos – 5
Plans and kits will be available in time. Email for details.
Grumman AA-5 Series – Design, Development, Production and Performance
The Grumman American AA-5 family is a series of four-seat, all-metal, low-wing light aircraft comprising the AA-5 Traveler, AA-5A Cheetah, AA-5B Tiger, and later AG-5B Tiger. Developed from the successful two-seat AA-1 Yankee, the AA-5 series was designed as a modern personal and training aircraft with excellent visibility, responsive handling, and economical operating costs. The aircraft became renowned for its distinctive sliding canopy, bonded aluminium construction, and free-castering nosewheel, features that set it apart from contemporary competitors such as the Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28. Approximately 3,382 aircraft were built between 1971 and 2006, including later AG-5B production.
Origins
The AA-5 originated with American Aviation, which had achieved success with the two-seat AA-1 Yankee Clipper. The company initially attempted to develop a completely new four-seat aircraft designated the AA-2 Patriot, but flight testing showed it failed to meet performance expectations, and only one prototype was completed.
Rather than continue with the AA-2, engineers elected to enlarge the proven AA-1 airframe. This approach retained approximately two-thirds commonality of parts, reducing both development costs and manufacturing complexity. The prototype AA-5 first flew on 21 August 1970, and certification was achieved under FAR Part 23 before production began in late 1971.
Design Philosophy
The aircraft was intended to provide:
- economical four-seat transportation
- excellent pilot visibility
- responsive, sport-like handling
- low maintenance costs
- modern styling
- efficient cross-country performance
Unlike many light aircraft of the period, the AA-5 was designed to feel more like a sports car than a utility vehicle, with light, well-balanced controls and a spacious cabin.
Airframe Design
Wing
The AA-5 employs a cantilever low wing of all-metal construction.
Features include:
- bonded aluminium skins
- riveted primary structure
- constant-chord centre section
- tapered outer panels
- electrically operated flaps
- integral fuel tanks
One of the most innovative aspects of the design was the extensive use of bonded honeycomb aluminium panels, reducing the number of external rivets and creating a smooth aerodynamic surface. This construction technique, inherited from the AA-1, contributed to reduced drag and a clean exterior finish.
Fuselage
The fuselage is an all-metal semi-monocoque structure with a notably spacious cabin.
Features include:
- four individual seats
- wide cabin
- sliding canopy
- large baggage compartment
- folding rear seats
The sliding canopy became one of the aircraft’s defining characteristics. Unlike side-opening doors, it provides excellent ventilation on the ground and unrestricted access to both front and rear seats.
Cockpit
The cockpit layout is simple and pilot-friendly.
Typical equipment includes:
- dual flight controls
- conventional “six-pack” flight instruments
- centrally located engine controls
- overhead canopy latching system
- centre console
Many surviving aircraft have been upgraded with modern avionics such as Garmin G5, G3X or GTN-series equipment.
Landing Gear
The AA-5 features a fixed tricycle undercarriage.
Unlike most light aircraft, it employs a free-castering nosewheel with no direct steering linkage. Directional control on the ground is achieved by:
- differential braking
- rudder effectiveness as speed increases
Advantages include:
- lighter nosegear
- fewer moving parts
- reduced maintenance
- tighter turning radius
This arrangement gives the aircraft handling characteristics more akin to larger transport aircraft during taxi.
Powerplant Development
AA-5 Traveler (1971–1975)
The original Traveler was powered by a:
Lycoming O-320-E2G
- four-cylinder
- air-cooled
- carburetted
- 150 hp
This engine provided economical operation but modest performance with four occupants.
AA-5A Cheetah (1975–1979)
The Cheetah retained the 150 hp Lycoming O-320, but incorporated Roy LoPresti’s aerodynamic improvements:
- redesigned engine cowling
- improved cooling-air baffling
- revised exhaust system
- cleaner landing-gear fairings
- enlarged horizontal tail
- increased fuel capacity (37 to 52 US gallons)
These changes increased cruise speed by approximately 6 knots over the Traveler.
AA-5B Tiger (1975–1979)
The Tiger received a more powerful:
Lycoming O-360-A4K
- four-cylinder
- carburetted
- 180 hp
The gross weight increased from 2,200 lb to 2,400 lb, transforming the aircraft into one of the fastest fixed-gear four-seat aircraft in its class, with cruise speeds around 139 knots.
AG-5B Tiger
Production resumed in 1990 under American General Aircraft and later Tiger Aircraft LLC.
Improvements included:
- 28-volt electrical system
- improved engine controls
- revised cowling
- upgraded avionics
- improved corrosion protection
Production continued until 2006.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamic efficiency was a key feature of the AA-5 family.
Notable design elements include:
- flush bonded skin construction
- streamlined canopy
- low-drag wheel fairings
- clean engine cowling
- cantilever wing
The aerodynamic refinement introduced by Roy LoPresti significantly improved the Cheetah and Tiger, making them among the fastest aircraft in their respective horsepower classes.
Structural Design
Construction uses:
- aluminium semi-monocoque fuselage
- bonded honeycomb skin panels
- riveted primary structure
- steel engine mount
- aluminium wing spars
The bonded aluminium construction reduced drag but requires specialised inspection and repair techniques to monitor for any disbonding, particularly in older airframes.
Production
Production history:
| Manufacturer | Years |
|---|---|
| American Aviation | 1971–1973 |
| Grumman American | 1973–1978 |
| Gulfstream American | 1978–1979 |
| American General Aircraft | 1990–1993 |
| Tiger Aircraft | 2000–2006 |
Approximate production totals:
- AA-5 Traveler: 834
- AA-5A Cheetah: 900
- AA-5B Tiger: 1,323
- AG-5B Tiger: approximately 337
Total production of the AA-5 family was about 3,382 aircraft.
Specifications (AA-5B Tiger)
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
| Passengers | 3 |
| Length | 22 ft 5 in (6.83 m) |
| Wingspan | 31 ft 6 in (9.60 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 0 in (2.44 m) |
| Wing Area | 150 sq ft (13.9 m²) |
| Empty Weight | Approximately 1,400 lb (635 kg) |
| Maximum Take-off Weight | 2,400 lb (1,089 kg) |
| Engine | Lycoming O-360-A4K |
| Power | 180 hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 52 US gal usable |
Performance (AA-5B Tiger)
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 139 kt (257 km/h) |
| Economy Cruise | 132–135 kt |
| Stall Speed (landing configuration) | 53 kt |
| Initial Rate of Climb | 850–950 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 13,800 ft |
| Maximum Range | Approximately 780 NM |
| Take-off Ground Roll | Approximately 850 ft (259 m) |
| Landing Ground Roll | Approximately 500 ft (152 m) |
Performance (AA-5A Cheetah)
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | 128 kt |
| Maximum Speed | 136 kt |
| Rate of Climb | 660 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 12,650 ft |
| Range | 657 NM |
| Stall Speed | 53 kt |
Flying Characteristics
The AA-5 series is highly regarded for:
- light, responsive controls
- excellent visibility through the sliding canopy
- stable cross-country handling
- forgiving stall characteristics
- efficient cruise performance
- roomy cabin for its size
Pilots transitioning from aircraft with steerable nosewheels need to become familiar with the free-castering nosewheel and differential braking during taxi. In flight, the aircraft is often praised for its crisp control response and enjoyable handling qualities. Owner and pilot communities consistently regard the Cheetah and Tiger as the most refined versions of the family.
Legacy
The Grumman AA-5 family occupies a distinctive place in general aviation. Its innovative bonded aluminium construction, sliding canopy, free-castering nosewheel, and efficient aerodynamic design made it markedly different from its contemporaries. Although it never matched the production volumes of the Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee, the AA-5 developed a loyal following among private owners, instructors, and touring pilots. The AA-5B Tiger, in particular, remains one of the fastest and most capable fixed-gear four-seat aircraft in its horsepower class, while the entire series continues to enjoy strong support through active owners’ organisations and specialist maintenance providers.