French Sportplane Builder Expanding Fabrication Facilities, Improving Products

Relatively hot on the heels of its 2019 exhibition at Aero Friedrichshafen, Elixir Aircraft announced a few updates at this year's show, ranging from coveted CS-23 certification, to a new trim level boasting a Rotax 915iS Turbo. 

Elixir Aircraft showed off their spiffy new CS-23 approval at the show, which has spurred them on to greatly expand their manufacturing capability with such a large, wide ranging market at stake. The French manufacturer holds more than 40 backorders for aircraft, and anticipates a specially redeveloped factory floor to build on the assembly line currently operating.

Last year, they decided to internalize production of OneShot parts, primarily the fuselage and wings. In order to fabricate them in-house, a second facility was created, housing a pair of autoclaves suitably large for such large pieces. Elixir notes that the in-house construction means that from tip to tip, the Elixir is entirely French, soon to be flying across the country with nearly 4 dozen operators and 15 flying clubs throughout their home country. 

Perhaps most importantly for prospective buyers, Elixir's new, higher-power trim level, the Elixir 912iS, has been announced. The plane shares all that's nice, sleek, and fast from the base aircraft, but adds a turbocharged variant good for 140hp. The CS-23 certified plane grants pilots cruising speed of 158 kts at 85% power while retaining all the same trustworthy flight characteristics experienced with the base model. Some minor additions to the Elixir 915iS will include improved aerodynamic winglets, a more porous engine cowling, and an assortment of small lifestyle niceties important for club sales or ramp appeal. 

FMI: www.elixir-aircraft.com