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.

FMI: www.nexaer.com