TYPE: Side-by-side ultralight.

PROGRAMME: The earlier versions of B&F's FK9 were built at Krosno, Poland, employing metal tube fuselages and composites wings, both fabric-covered. The Mark 3 all-composites version was announced in 1997; 85 per cent of airframe is manufactured in Poland, for completion in Germany. Launched at Friedrichshafen Air Show, April 1997; UK sales promotion from July 1998. Following trials in earlier FK 9 (D-MCFK), 40.5 kW (54.2 hp) Suprex M160 three-cylinder engine, developed from that of DaimlerChrysler Smart motorcar, offered as alternative power plant from 2000 in version designation FK 9 Smart.

CURRENT VERSIONS: FK 9 Mark 3: Baseline version; as described.
FK 9 Mk 3 Club: Utility version; launched at Aero '03, Friedrichshafen, April 2003.
FK 9 Mk 4: Under development; has wider (4 cm; 1½ in), longer (8 cm; 3¼ in) cabin. Due to have flown by end 2003.

CUSTOMERS: More than 200 FK 9s of all series built by January 2003.

COSTS: €46,000 including tax (2003).

STRUCTURE: Composites wing and fuselage; metal tailplane; fabric-covered ailerons, slotted flaps and elevators.

LANDING GEAR: Fixed tricycle type with speed fairings. Optional tailwheel version. Mainwheels 6.00-6.

POWER PLANT: One 59.6 kW (79.9 hp) Rotax 912 UL, 73.5 kW (98.6 hp) Rotax 912 ULS or 40.5 kW (54.2 hp) Suprex driving a Junkers three-blade, ground-adjustable pitch, carbon fibre propeller. Max fuel capacity 70 litres (18.5 US gallons; 15.4 Imp gallons), of which 65 litres (17.2 US gallons; 14.3 Imp gallons) are usable. Optional extra 20 litre (5.3 US gallon; 4.4 Imp gallons) tank can be installed.