LOOP News

6 SEP 06: HALF-PRICE TWIN

British company plans new twin-engine for training and personal flying

A BRAND new low-cost twin-engine four-seat aeroplane is being developed by Wolverhampton-based Aerosport, best-known as the UK distributor for Ikarus C42 and Breezer aircraft.

"The idea behind the twin is to build a safe, fast and economical four-seat twin for the private and school market," said Simon Duboulay, Managing Director of Aerosport. "The projected cost of the aircraft will be £120,000 equipped for VFR flight - as opposed to around £300,000 for existing twins."

Aerosport has been hugely successful in introducing the Ikarus C42 as a training and private microlight aircraft. The low-wing Ikarus Breezer is shortly to become available as a microlight and also as a Group A kitplane with a 600kg max takeoff weight. Recently, Aerosport has also become a distributor of Rotax engine parts. This is the company's first move into aircraft design and manufacture.

The new Aerosport Twin will be powered by two 100bhp Rotax four-stroke engines, givin g a fuel burn of approx 30 litres per hour at 75% power. The Rotax engine can use either Avgas or significantly cheaper Mogas. At this power setting, it's expected the aircraft would cruise at 170kt, with a max level speed of 190kt.

Single engine climb rate will be 400ft/minute at max weight. Provisional specifications put the aircraft's useful load at 620kg, based on an empty weight of 630kg and a max weight of 1250kg.

"So four adults weighing an average of 100kg each can take 60kg of luggage and have nearly six hours absolute endurance," said Simon.

"We will also be adding some novel features," he said. They include:

Automatic rudder compensation for asymmetric thrust

Rear seats fold to form a cargo space with tie-downs

12-volt electrics

No mixture control

No carb heat needed

No oleos - just springs

Spare wheel that can be changed in the field.

Design work on the Twin has reached a critical stage and Aerosport is looking for £1.5 million investment into the project to take it into testing and production. Potential investors should contact Simon Duboulay on 01384 221550.

W: www.aerosportuk.com

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LOOP News

6 SEP 06: HALF-PRICE TWIN