Sting S3 Sports New Wing, Redesigned Trim

"A superior airplane evolves." That's how TL-Ultralight founder Jiri Tlusty summarizes his company's newly-updated StingSport light-sport aircraft, which features several improvements to what was already one of the most impressive offerings in the segment.

Leading the changes to the Sting S3 is a new, fully-tapered wing, with increased flap length. While the new wing maintains the same profile, wingtip and aileron design as older models, the wingspan, wing area and aspect ratio of the S3 wing are all greater than the original. The company says the result is a wing that stalls at lower airspeed, climbs faster, and is more efficient.

Stall speed without flaps is 39 knots; with full flaps the stall speed is 34 knots. Cruise speed at 75% power is 116 knots. Rate of climb with the 100 hp engine is in excess of 1,100 feet per minute, and take-off ground roll has been measured as low as 255 feet, according to company representatives.

"We listen to our customers and we fly Stings ourselves," Tlusty said. "That’s how we learn, and we introduce evolutionary upgrades whenever we see the opportunity to do so."

The aircraft also sports redesigned elevator trim, which gives the pilot a broader range of pitch settings and better control coordination. Further changes include a stiffer frame for the canopy and a stronger hinge design, re-engineered main and nose gear assemblies, and a simplified fuel distribution system.

A new oil cooler bypass thermostat is now standard, as are a composite tail cone to protect against ground strikes, new quarter-turn fasteners for engine compartment access, and more visible position lighting in the tail assembly.

As with the original Sting, both analog gauges or Dynon EFIS D100 instrumentation is available. Other available cockpit features include Garmin GPSMAP 496 with WX weather, SL40 radio and GTX327 transponder, and PCAS collision avoidance. AmSafe inertia reel four-point harnesses are standard, with optional belt-mounted airbags. A Greenline EMS engine monitoring system, designed for the StingSport by I-K Technologies, is now standard equipment, as well.

Many of the changes come as a result of customer input. "The company’s openness to owner feedback and its investment in evolutionary change are what make the Sting the most continuously improved light sport aircraft," said Bill Canino, President of SportairUSA, LC, the North American StingSport distributor. "This next generation Sting S3 maximizes performance within the LSA flight envelope."

The evolution of the Sting began in 1996 with the composite TL-96 Star. The first generation Sting, known as the Sting Carbon, brought the lighter weight carbon-fiber composite airplane to the marketplace with redesigned wing and tailfeathers. For the next generation, known as the StingSport, the airplane was modified to take full advantage of the LSA rules and incorporated significant safety and handling improvements.

The recent announcement of the next generation Sting S3 incorporates all of the previous upgrades, and takes a big step forward in the evolution of the LSA. Well-equipped for cross-country or night operation, S3 starting prices range from $121,500 to $123,650.

FMI: www.sportair.aero, www.sting.aero