TYPE: Side-by-side ultralight/kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Designed by Hans Gygax and simultaneously launched in Europe (Friedrichshafen Air Show) and North America (Sun 'n' Fun) in second quarter of 1997. European deliveries began immediately. On 10 May 1998 an Ikarus C42 set a new ultralight world speed record over a closed circuit of 54 n miles (100 km; 62 miles) at 90.4 kt (167.5 km/h; 104.1 mph), and on 13 May 1998 established another world record over a 270 n mile (500 km; 311 mile) closed circuit at 71.78 kt (132.93 km/h; 82.60 mph). Upgraded version, introduced April 1999, offers optional winglets of GFRP and further option of GFRP ailerons, flaps, elevators and rudder.

CURRENT VERSIONS: C42: Production version until 2003.
C42 B: Introduced 2003. Compared to earlier version, has reprofiled nose with air intake below propeller displaced rearwards. As described.
C42 Competition I/II: Kitbuilt versions with additional refinements.

CUSTOMERS: First production C42 to Netherlands owner (PH-2Y5) mid-1997. Others sold in Austria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden. United Kingdom PFA type clearance, and first deliveries, early 2002. By mid-2003, over 600 had been delivered.

COSTS: €43,950 plus tax (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Strut-braced high-wing monoplane; strut-braced tail unit. Wings fold for storage.
NACA 2412 wing section.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Ailerons and elevators pushrod-operated, rudder cable-operated. Plain flaps standard; electrically actuated flaps optional; flight adjustable trim tab on port elevator.

STRUCTURE: Glass fibre fuselage assembled around full-length aluminium boom; tubular aluminium wings and tail surfaces, covered with Mylar/polyester laminate (GT-foil). Aluminium wings optional. Glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin fairings; stainless steel fittings; Makrolon transparencies. Optional carbon fibre winglets.

LANDING GEAR: Fixed tricycle type with oleo-pneumatic suspension and speed fairings on all three units; hydraulic brakes on main units. Full Lotus inflatable floats optional.

POWER PLANT: One 59.6 kW (79.9 hp) Rotax 912 UL flat-four driving a Warp Drive two-blade, carbon fibre propeller via 1:2.27 reduction gearing or 73.5 kW (98.6 hp) Rotax 912 ULS driving a GSC three-blade, ground-adjustable pitch propeller via 1:2.43 reduction gearing. Standard fuel capacity 50 litres (13.2 US gallons; 11.0 Imp gallons). 100 litres (26.4 US gallons; 22.0 Imp gallons) optional.

SYSTEMS: 12 V battery.

EQUIPMENT: Optional BRS 50L4 or Magnum Speed S ballistic parachute, and ELT. Spraying equipment can be fitted for agricultural operations, and a towing hook for glider- and banner-towing purposes.