Previous Aircraft Designs News

Following the issue of a full Permit to Fly to the first UK-built Sonex in November 2007, several further Sonex projects have now been registered with the LAA, some of which will use the alternative budget-priced build-it-yourself four cylinder Aerovee 2180cc engine in place of the six cylinder Jabiru 3300A used in Mike Moulai’s ‘UK prototype’. The Sonex is also available in both nose wheel and tail wheel undercarriage configuration. We expect the Sonex will become a popular sight in the UK skies as it offers a relatively low-cost entry-level kit with a reasonable turn of speed and sporty handling.

 

The flight testing on the prototype twin–engined aerobatic Speedtwin Mk 2 G-STDL is now complete and the final reports are being prepared to allow the aircraft to be issued its first full permit to fly. The Speedtwin is a unique UK-designed aircraft which was masterminded by the late Peter Phillips but the project is now in the hands of LAA member Malcolm Ducker who has had the design completely revised to use higher powered engines and allow increased payload. G-STDL is fitted with LOM engines of 150 horsepower each, driving fixed pitch wood propellers. A fixed tail wheel undercarriage is fitted, using YAK 52 main undercarriage legs, wheels and brakes.

 

The first customer-built examples of the X’Air Hawk microlight are now flying on test. The first pair, based at Carlisle, making their first flights in late November. The Hawk is a simple tube and fabric bolt-together kit covered in pre-sewn fabric envelopes, along the lines of the popular Rans S6. The Hawk is a French design but the kit is manufactured in India. A number of modifications have been made to the kit to comply with LAA requirements.

The first LAA examples of Vans RV6 and RV7A aircraft have now achieved limited aerobatic approval following the completion of LAA’s design review. Having established the suitability of the basic types for aerobatics, all owners of Vans RV-6, 6A, 7 and 7A will shortly be sent  details of how their individual aircraft can be assessed for aerobatic clearance, which involves a simple inspection and flight test under LAA Engineering authorisation.

 

A new Progress Chart of all of the aircraft currently under LAA Engineering Investigation has been produced showing the progress that each new type has achieved. This chart will be updated periodically and is available here.