TYPE: Four-seat kitbuilt.
PROGRAMME: Development began in 1999; first engine runs of prototype (N747F) completed 27 August 2001; first flight was due before end of 2001 and achieved 23 December 2002. Two further aircraft had flown by mid-2003. By June 2003, prototype had completed 35 hours of flying. An MTOW upgrade to 1,361 kg (3,000 lb) is planned.
CUSTOMERS: Several under construction by August 2003.
COSTS: Basic kit US$34,995 (2003).
DESIGN FEATURES: Conventional design similar in appearance to Tango. Vinylester resin used in place of epoxy to reduce cure time of composites.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Flaps (electric actuation) optional.
STRUCTURE: Extensive use of composites throughout.
LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type; fixed. Speed fairings on all wheels.
POWER PLANT: Prototype fitted with 224 kW (300 hp) Textron Lycoming IO-540; engines in the range 149 to 224 kW (200 to 300 hp) are recommended. Standard fuel capacity 379 litres (100 US gallons; 83.3 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and three passengers in two pairs of seats. Upward-opening, centreline-hinged door each side; fixed windscreen. Baggage stowage behind seats.
DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:
- Wing span: 9.75 m (32 ft 0 in)
- Wing aspect ratio: 8
- Length overall: 7.56 m (24 ft 9½ in)
- Height overall: 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in)
DIMENSIONS, INTERNAL:
- Cabin: Max width: 1.17 m (3 ft 10 in)
- Max height: 1.09 (3 ft 7 in)
- Baggage volume: 0.40 m³ (14.0 cu ft)
AREAS:
- Wing, gross: 11.89 m² (128.0 sq ft)
WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS (224 kW; 300 hp engine):
- Weight empty: 774 kg (1,706 lb)
- Baggage capacity: 68 kg (150 lb)
- Max payload: 250 kg (552 lb)
- Max T-O weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
- Max wing loading: 106.8 kg/m² (21.88 lb/sq ft)
- Max power loading 5.68 kg/kW (9.33 lb/hp)
PERFORMANCE (224 kW; 300 hp engine):
- Never-exceed speed (VNE): 212 kt (394 km/h; 245 mph)
- Max operating speed: 200 kt (370 km/h; 230 mph)
- Normal cruising speed: 189 kt (351 km/h; 218 mph)
- Stalling speed, flaps down: 54 kt (100 km/h; 62 mph)
- Max rate of climb at S/L: 914 m (3,000 ft)/min
- Service ceiling: 7,315 m (24,000 ft)
- T-O run: 107 m (350 ft)
- Landing run: 244 m (800 ft)
- Range with max fuel: 1,564 n miles (2,896 km; 1,800 miles)
- g limits: +6/-4
