New LSA/Ultralight To Debut At Aero Friedrichshafen

Jihlavan Airplanes in the Czech Republic plans to introduced a new mid-line model of ultralight/light sport aircraft, the Skyleader 400. The airplane's "sports car-inspired" design, with new features such as side opening canopy, "aggressive" cowling and easily maneuverable landing gear, is targeted directly at sport aviation enthusiasts. The introduction of the new airplane adds to the existing production portfolio, which includes 5 aircraft types. The first fully flyable, red racing color scheme prototype Skyleader 400 will be on display next week at Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany.

The prototype was designed and produced in less than 2 years, and the new aircraft was quietly unveiled July 14, 2012 at a private event called "Skyleader Day". The event was attended by a select group of distributors, clients and local press in Jihlava, the town in which the factory that will produce the airplane is located. Since that in-flight presentation of the first prototype, the company has worked to implement the ideas it received during the event, as well as to obtain type certification and prepare for serial production. The order book will open on April 24, 2013.

Skyleader 400 is a two-seat, low-wing, all-metal construction airframe with a newly-designed and shortened fuselage.  The aircraft uses the trapezoid wings from the Skyleader 600 type. Integrated fuel tanks give the airplane an in-flight endurance of more than seven hours, and a range of over 930 miles without refueling.

Customers will have option to choose from three equipment packages, starting from analogue panel with Rotax 912 UL 80HP engine, up to full glass cockpit and Rotax 912iS 100HP fuel injection or 914UL turbocharged engines. The company says prices will be competitive with market standards.

FMI: www.skyleader.aero