Airborne XT-912

We know the Aussies can play cricket and rugby nearly as well as the Brits, but what’s their first weightshift microlight trike like? Instructor and flying school boss Victor Carmichael reports.

It’s almost a year ago to the day since I took my first flight in an Airborne XT-912. Standing on a cold damp airfield on a miserable February morning isn’t the most inviting of places... hopefully my test flight will brighten the day up.

Not long after climbing out, it became apparent this aircraft really was a bit special. For once I was in a microlight that actually lived up to the manufacturer’s hype.

Airborne is an Australian microlight manufacturer which has been in the business since the early days. It still makes hang-gliders, and claims to be the world’s most prolific producer of weightshift microlights, selling to 38 countries.

The XT-912 is the company's first trike to enter the UK and Irish marketplace. From a distance, it looks quite ordinary. Closer examination, however, shows a remarkably well-engineered aircraft that is both rugged and practical. The trike base has a big solid frame, noticeably higher off the ground than other models.

Taxiing a microlight on rough grass airstrips used to be quite an event, with all sorts of items bouncing out of the cockpit! With oleo-pneumatic suspension as standard and 6-inch diameter rear wheels, rough grass airstrips are much more manageable.

The wide seat frame can manage 100kg per seat, making long flights for taller (and larger) pilots much more comfortable. For instructors, the back seat is as roomy as the front with the controls easily handled and the instruments easily seen. Ample power is provided by the now ubiquitous Rotax 912, with a Skydat GX2 instrument panel providing lots of information.

Four analogue-type dials are shown on the Skydat LCD screen and show ASI, VSI, RPM and altitude. Engine CHT, EGT, oil pressure and temperature are all shown in bar graph format. They’ve even included a fuel-flow meter. A standard ASI is included as backup.

Although digital instruments may not be to everyone’s taste, the Skydat has proven to be simple to read and reliable. Flying with the aircraft trimmed slow recently, the Skydat told me I was using under 5 litres an hour. With 70 litres onboard that makes for a long cross-country flight! The Streak 3 wing has been developed from Airborne’s 20-odd years of experience.

The clean trailing edge reduces drag. Batten rods are simply snapped into place, with the ability to extend if required. Washout rods are easily ‘tweaked’ also, with wing tuning becoming far easier when the need arises. Rigging and de-rigging the Streak wing truly is a one man job.

Low hangar doors are always an issue with weightshifts. On the XT the front-strut can be replaced with a bracket to rest the monopole on, enabling the owner to drop the wing for storage – simple and effective. Flying the aircraft is a pleasure. It’s light in roll and pitch with excellent handling throughout the speed range.

The stall is virtually a nonevent and really has to be worked at. The aircraft feels stable in turbulence, partly because of the small wing area (13.2 sq metres) and heavier aircraft weight (225kg empty). Despite the small wing, the XT has good short-field performance with published take-off and landing distances being very conservative.

Cruise speed can vary considerably, and 63kt feels like a nice cruise for the XT. Slow trim will take between 10-15 knots off the cruise, handy when approaching those short fields microlight pilots still expect to get into.

Faster flight is possible with slight back pressure on the base bar, and is manageable for long periods. However, I instruct on my aircraft so don’t really see the point in flying round in circles faster than everyone else, drinking more petrol than I need to! So, eight months after taking delivery of an XT-912, has it lived up to my expectations.

Well, I was looking for a rugged aircraft that could withstand a bit of abuse from students and myself. It had to handle short farm strips regularly and not compromise on handling. What I’ve ended up with is an aircraft that ticks all the right boxes.

Comfortable, stable in turbulence, economical, superb handling, rugged and a turn of speed when needed is what I got. Shortfield performance is not compromised in any way.

So yes, the XT-912 really does do what it says on the tin, and has lived up to all my expectations. With the price just reduced, it looks an even mre attractive option for a weightshift pilot.

Left: Tough trailing link suspension Above: Engine is ubiquitous 80hp Rotax 912, which gives 65kt cruise Right: Useful SkyDat digital panel

 AirBorne XT-912

Performance
Vne	85kt
Cruise Speed	65kt
Stall Speed	35kt
Takeoff roll	247mt*
Landing roll	325mt*
Rate of Climb	825ft/min
Fuel burn	12lt/hr
Cruise Range	702km
Ultimate strength	+6g, -3g
Manoeuvre loads	+4g -0g
Specifications
Power	Rotax 912 UL 2 , 4Cyl, 4-stroke producing 80hp
Propeller	3-blade Bolly, ground adjustable
Length	2.745mt
Height	3.65mt
Wingspan	9.97mt
Wing area	13.5 sq mt
Seats	2
Empty weight	225kg
Max takeoff weight	445kg
Max load	200kg (+fuel)
Fuel capacity	70 litres
Price	£24,490 inc VAT
Manufacturer	AirBorne Australia Unit 22/30 Kalaroo Road Redhead NSW 2290 Australia 00 612 4944 9199 www.airborne.com.au
UK Distributor	AirBorne Australia UK The Headlands Ercall Lane Telford Salop TF1 2DY 01952 254949 www.airborneaustralia.co.uk