TYPE: Side-by-side kitbuilt.
PROGRAMME: Prototype (N8072U), powered by 59.6 kW (79.9 hp) Rotax 912 UL engine, first flew 25 March 1997 in tricycle landing gear configuration, and won its class in the 1997 Sun 'n' Fun Race at Lakeland, Florida, averaging 113 kt (209 km/h; 130 mph) over a 52 n mile (97 km; 60 mile) course; re-engined with Teledyne Continental IO-240B and flown April 1998; subsequently converted to tailwheel configuration, although this configuration not marketed. Further prototype, N8073U, (plus one static test airframe) completed for trial installation of 119.3 kW (160 hp) Textron Lycoming O-320; FAA approval under homebuilt rules achieved 16 December 1998; first kit delivered to customer two days later; production capacity 50 kits per year.
CUSTOMERS: Total 26 sold and 20 flying by July 2003.
COSTS: Quick-build kit US$25,000, not including engine (2003).
DESIGN FEATURES: Conventional configuration low-wing monoplane with tailwheel or nosewheel landing gear. Quoted build time 500 to 1,000 hours.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Pushrod-operated elevators, cable-operated rudder; half-span, five-position flaps. Triangular trim tab at base of rudder.
STRUCTURE: Composites fuselage, made up of four moulded shells, with powder-coated welded chromoly steel cockpit cage; aluminium wings, elevators and rudder with composites tips.
LANDING GEAR: Non-retractable nosewheel configuration; nosewheel steerable; hydraulic toe brakes standard; leg and wheel speed fairings on all units.
POWER PLANT: One 93.2 kW (125 hp) Teledyne Continental IO-240B flat-four or one 119.3 kW (160 hp) Textron Lycoming O-320 flat-four, driving a three-blade ground-adjustable Warp Drive wooden propeller. Alternative engines include Subaru EA81. Fuel in two fuselage tanks, total capacity 121 litres (32.0 US gallons; 26.6 Imp gallons); oil capacity 4.7 litres (1.25 US gallons; 1.04 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: Two persons, side by side under one-piece forward-hinged canopy supported by gas struts; dual controls, central throttle, shoulder harnesses, lap belts and roll-over protection standard.