This Ain't Your Father's Kitfox....

Skystar's Ed Downs says that, "It was time to develop an airplane for the sport flyer who didn't care if Sport Pilot EVER showed up. And boy howdy, we did just that."

What Downs is talking about, is the new Super Kitfox Turbine... a two seat, side by side, SportPlane that guarantees that, "You'll never lose a short take-off contest to anyone but a Bell Jet Ranger."

The high wing, fabric covered bird has been beefed up a great deal for this mission and features an engine that Downs is keeping quiet about--for the moment, "...Our partner in this is well known, but after having had some problems in other development programs, they're taking a wait and see attitude as to whether a sport turbine market will come about." Rumored to be produced by Williams Int'l, the engine is reportedly based on the aborted FJ22 program and adapted to a transmission system developed by Helicycle designer BJ Schramm.

"We've derated the puppy to only 300 horsepower or so, added some rudder, and are requiring a factory checkout... but for those who are willing to part with $150K, you'll get an airplane that takes off, at full gross, in under 20 feet, climbs 5000 fpm, and will cruise at 200 kts at 18K.

And landings? That prop offers full beta, so you better tighten your straps if you want to use it or you'll do a face-plant on the panel. And you come off it (beta) real quick, or you might back into something, and screw up your tailfeathers really bad... don't ask us how we know that."

A new FADEC system not only keeps turbine operation simple but will limit power if the air-data sensor reports a potential for airframe overspeed. Using some of the design data gathered from the Sportster days, the new bird is sport aerobatic and offers an interesting bag of tricks. "Just remember to come off the power... A LOT... in the tail slide... or you'll never get it to actually... well, slide. The last guy who forgot that wound up with a helluva nose bleed before he figured it out. Thank God he had oxygen on board," notes Downs.

Downs (pictured, right) expects to offer the public a first look at the bird by Oshkosh and has offered ANN's Jim Campbell first shot at a test flight, wryly noting that he "is crazy enough to enjoy something like this." More info to follow.

ANN Thanks Rex Heffran and Dave Estapa for the first look at the secret photo shown above...

FMI: www.skystar-kicks-ass.com