Pacific AeroSport, LLC, at Arlington, Washington, has rolled out the first kit-built example of the Twister single seat aircraft.

The Twister, designed by Silence Aircraft of Verl, Germany, and built by DG Flugzeugbau of Bruchsal, Germany, is to be sold in the USA and Canada in fast-build kit form by Pacific AeroSport, LLC. It is equipped with a BRS 1050 ballistic parachute recovery system, attached to a cockpit "safety cell" using technology borrowed from the Formula 1 racing world.

The Twister's Jabiru 2200 engine, coupled with electrically retractable landing gear, will provide a 146-mile per hour cruise, with a very low fuel burn of only 3 gallons per hour. The carbon fiber and fiberglass structure uses Nomex honeycomb cores for a light and stiff airframe. The wings and tail structure follows DG glider design practice, allowing quick and easy removal for storage in a Cobra trailer. The FAA is in the process of evaluating the Twister fast-build kit for inclusion on the "51%" list, meeting the criteria for Experimental-Amateur built kits.

Owner of the first American kit, Mike Friend of Seattle said, "I can hardly wait to fly the airplane for the first time. The combination of Spitfire looks, BRS safety, and Jabiru economy will make this a great airplane to get back to the basics of fun flying."

Chris Klix, owner of Pacific AeroSport said, "The Twister is a sophisticated airplane, using state-of-the-art technology and clever design features to create a kit that anyone can quickly build into a real attention-getter".

The first American kit, shown (first photo, above) after rollout, was assembled in less than two weeks. After final systems installation and painting, it is expected to fly in the first week of June. The airplane will be presented to the US flying public at the 2004 EAA Arlington airshow and the 2004 EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

FMI: www.pacificaerosport.com