Sleek, Split-Flap Speedster Stuns Surroundings at Sun n' Fun 2022

Sun 'n Fun, always a chance to see the latest and greatest in the world of sport aviation, brought out a pleasant surprise this year in JMB Aircraft's new VL-3. 

The two-spot, retractable gear LSA and SportPlane is a lightweight, carbon-bodied, Rotax-powered Czech sportplane aimed at making the $100 burger possible once again. 

The VL-3 shown at the exhibition was a great example of what is possible with the type, sporting an eye-catching, red leather interior and glass panel G3X avionics ensconced in carbon fiber paneling, looking every bit the part of a sporty enthusiast's aircraft. JMB offers the plane in a few different versions: First, a fixed-prop, fixed-gear, factory-built Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA), perfect for those sport pilots who cannot take advantage of complex aircraft options. Second, the VL-3 can be taken as an experimental amateur build, where the customer completes 51% of the finished aircraft. Finally, it can be had as an experimental exhibition aircraft, fully assembled and finished by JMB. 

Option-wise, pilots can choose between the usual roster of trustworthy Rotax engines, between the 912ULS, 914UL Turbo, and the 915iS Turbo, in addition to an airframe mounted ballistic parachute, a landing-gear camera, and an array of avionics. JMB notes with particular interest the uncommon flap layout of the VL-3, which sports split flaps that can be set in 3 increments that max out at 55?. That layout provides an impressively low stall speed, bringing it as low as 29 knots despite the plane's sleek, thoroughbred speedster styling. The VL-3 boasts a top speed of 205 knots, combining the best of both worlds for stress-free landing speeds and efficient, fast cruise. 

Ryan Shelton, sales agent and instructor with Gulf States Aircraft Sales, told Aero News that the VL-3 has plenty of performance headroom in the design just waiting to be freed after the FAA completes the expected Mosaic resolutions. Once legal, VL-3s can be configured, even post-sale, to "accommodate greater performance, weight, and capability." 

FMI: www.jmbaircraft.com