Rocky Mountain Company Aims High
ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne
The world of aviation is feeling a great deal of anticipation
about a surge of light-sport aircraft. There was significant
fanfare about two new aircraft emerging at this press conference,
one of which was the Nexaer, a brand new design out of Colorado
Springs, Colorado.
Nexaer, the company, was founded in August 2001, because the
company founders believed it was time for a change. Not baby steps,
but real change that would set a new benchmark for personal
aircraft.
Nexaer observes the difference between a luxury car and an
economy car is in the lines. Nexaer involved an artist in the early
conceptual portion of the design stage and have settled on this
unusual, sweeping shape.
Nexaer is a small company with only a mock-up at EAA AirVenture.
Their plan is to certify as Special-Light-Sport Aircraft (meaning
factory-built, ready to fly planes). There will be three versions:
the Standard Edition (SE), Trainer Edition (TE), and Luxury Edition
(LE).
Projected price ranges are from $85 to $110 FOB. Nexaer is
not taking deposits yet, although they expect flight testing to
begin "October-ish," according to company President, Paul
Klahn.
Nexaer, the airplane, is a two-place, side-by-side, no-flap,
carbon fiber beam structure, low-wing, tractor with conventional
tail and tricycle landing gear.
Aircraft Specifications:
Length: 23.25 ft.
Height: 7 ft. 10 in.
Wing span: 29.5 ft.
Wing Area: 124 sq. ft.
Cabin Width: 54 in.
Seat width: 21 in.
Max Gross Weight: 1320 lbs.
Empty Weight*: 750 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 27 gal. (162 lbs.)
Useful Load: 570 lbs.
Design load factor: +4.5/-2.0 g
Aircraft Performance:
Power: 80 - 120 hp
Planned engine options: Jabiru 2200 or 3300, Rotax 912, Continental
O-200, Lycoming O-235
Stall speed: 44 knots (51 mph)
Max speed in level flight: 120 knots (138 mph)
Maneuvering speed (VA): 105 knots (121 mph)
Never-exceed speed (VNE): 160 knots (184 mph)
Max rate of climb (sea level): 1500 ft./min
Max rate of climb (10,000 ft): 700 ft./min
Service ceiling: TBD
Take-off distance (sea level): 350 ft
Take-off distance (10,000 ft): 750 ft
Endurance: 4 hours (with 30 minute reserve)
Range: 550 miles (ave.)
NOTE: Figures represent performance calculations based on 120
hp. Actual figures may vary, and will be available after flight
testing is completed.
All information contained herein is subject to change without
notice.