TYPE: Side-by-side ultralight/kitbuilt.
PROGRAMME: Announced in 2003, by which time the prototype had already flown; flight testing to be completed by end of 2003, with first deliveries due during early 2004.
CURRENT VERSIONS: Kestrel 60: Baseline version.
Kestrel 150: Upgraded model, with more powerful engine and higher take-off weight. First deliveries due during second half of 2004.
COSTS: Kestrel 60 kit C$23,125 for first five aircraft, thereafter C$25,000; Kestrel 150 kit C$24,950 for first five aircraft, thereafter C$27,000 (2003).
DESIGN FEATURES: Intended for cross-country and training; to complement all-metal Bush Caddy range. Primarily aimed at kitbuilt market, but will also be available as factory-finished aircraft.
Wing section NACA 23012.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual.
STRUCTURE: Fuselage of composite epoxy/carbon material on glass and gelcoat polyester reinforced with bonded framework.
LANDING GEAR: Choice of tricycle or tailwheel type.
POWER PLANT: Kestrel 60 will have one 47.8 kW (64.1 hp) Rotax 582 driving two- or three-bladed propeller; Kestrel 150 will accept engines up to 112 kW (150 hp).
AVIONICS: Design accepts full VFR panel for pilot training.
DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:
- Wing span: 9.76 m (32 ft 0¼ in)
- Wing chord (constant): 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
- Length overall: 7.03 m (23 ft 0¾ in)
AREAS:
- Wings, gross: 17.52 m² (188.6 sq ft)
WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS:
- Weight empty: Kestrel 150: 450 kg (992 lb)
- Max T-O weight: Kestrel 150: 725 kg (1,600 lb)
PERFORMANCE (estimated):
- Normal cruising speed:
- Kestrel 60: 78 kt (145 km/h; 90 mph)
- Kestrel 150: 96 kt (177 km/h; 110 mph)
- Stalling speed: 33 kt (62 km/h; 38 mph)
- Endurance: 5 h
The article appears in the following publication:
Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-2005. Jane's Information Group Ltd. 2004. ISBN: 0-7106-2614-2
