Test Article Aircraft Recently Made Its Public Debut In South Africa

The eagerly anticipated Sling TSi test article recently made its public debut in South Africa and will be unveiled at the upcoming EAA Airventure next month.

The Sling TSi, like its predecessors, has received critical acclaim for its capabilities, effortless handling and all-round functionality. The name ‘TSi’ is a homage to its Rotax 915 iS engine and marks a new chapter in TAF’s vision to build the world’s most loved light aircraft.

“The brand-new Sling TSi stands out as the new standard for 4-seat experimental aircraft. It outperforms most others in every way," said Mike Blyth, founder of The Airplane Factory.

Compared to previous models it has increased speed, increased rate of climb, longer range, increased carrying capacity, more space and greater comfort all while flying the best-handling aircraft in its class.”

The Sling TSi is powered by a 141hp Rotax 915 iS Fuel Injected Turbo Charged Engine burning just 8 gph (31 lt/hr) in the cruise. During test flights, the aircraft reached a maximum straight and level speed of 155 KTAS and has a range of 800 Nm. With its luxurious cabin, low fuel burn and Garmin avionics, it will please private pilots and flight-training organisations alike. This 4-place aircraft comes standard with a bespoke 3 blade Airmaster constant speed propeller, Garmin 10 inch G3X touch EFIS, Garmin G5 backup EFIS, Garmin GTR 200 COM radio, Garmin GTX 35R remote transponder, Garmin autopilot system with GMC 307 autopilot controller and PM 1000 II 4-place intercom.

The completely redesigned exterior features high quality materials and design integrity, as well as great practicality and a range of technologies to improve comfort, convenience and safety.

Enhancements include:

• New flush rivet forward fuselage, wings and empennage.
• New canopy design with improved doors, bonded windscreen and redesigned larger rear window area.
• New dash with larger instrument panel.
• New low drag airfoil shaped main gear leg. New larger low drag wheel spats.
• New cowling design.
• New interior upholstery and seat design.
• New vertical stabilizer fairing design.

"The result is an aircraft with an uncompromising mission: To offer unrivalled performance, safety and reliability in the hands of all pilots no matter the mission," the company said in a news release.

(Image provided with The Airplane Factory news release)

FMI: www.airplanefactory.com