TYPE: Single-seat ultralight/kitbuilt.
PROGRAMME: Developed over a period of four years in a garden gazebo. Prototype (D-MTMH, incorporating partners' initials) made first flight 30 September 2000; LBA certification received May 2002. Partners at present making kits themselves, but are looking for a subcontractor.
CURRENT VERSIONS: SA155: Original version; with Diamond engine; as described.
SA180: As SA155, but with Jabiru engine. Prototype D-MTMN (c/n 3), shown at Aero '03, Friedrichshafen, April 2003.
Akron: Experimental version under development for US market.
CUSTOMERS: Three flying and two more under construction by May 2003.
COSTS: SA155 €71,000; SA180 kit €29,500; flyaway €69,500; Akron €29,500; (all kits less engine) (2003).
DESIGN FEATURES: Compact, low-wing configuration, with elliptical wings and tailplane. Extensive use of carbon and glass fibre honeycomb construction throughout to maintain strength and minimise weight. Wings detachable in 10 minutes for transportation and storage. Propeller spinner has three strakes and rotates freely in the airflow, thereby governing propeller angle.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Plain flaps. Horn-balanced rudder.
STRUCTURE: Monocoque single-piece fuselage. Single-piece wing spar. Aerofoil Stuttgart LWK180/25.
LANDING GEAR: Tailwhell type. Electric retraction; carbon fibre main legs retract rearwards. Tailwhell non-retractable. Mainwheels 4.00-6. Hydraulic brakes.
POWER PLANT: Engines in the region of 70 kW (93.9 hp) can be fitted, to drive a three-blade, ground-adjustable pitch Helix carbon fibre propeller; prototype SA155 has 40 kW (53.6 hp) Wankel engine; second prototype SA155 (D-MTMO) has 37.3 kW (50 hp) Diamond (formerly Mid-West) AE50 engine driving two-blade Silence carbon fibre propeller. SA180 has 59.7 kW (80 hp) Jabiru 2200 flat-four driving a three-blade Silence carbon fibre propeller. Fuel capacity 80 litres (21.1 US gallons; 17.6 Imp gallons) of which 75 litres (19.8 US gallons; 16.5 Imp gallons) is usable.
EQUIPMENT: Junkers ProFly ballistic parachute system.