TYPE: Tandem-seat ultralight kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Developed from single-seat S-17 Stinger. First flight of prototype S-18 (N24052) 9 September 2000; production from December 2000; kit deliveries from March 2001.

CUSTOMERS: 35 sold and 28 flying by July 2003.

COSTS: Kit, including engine and exhaust: Rotax 503 DC US$17,183; Rotax 582 US$19,094; Rotax 912 US$27,033 (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Pod-and-boom fuselage; V-strut-braced wings are identical to those of S-12XL Airaile and fold rearwards for transport or storage; wire-braced tail surfaces. Quoted build time under 200 hours.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Flaps.

STRUCTURE: Welded 4130 steel tube fuselage carge and 15 cm (6 in) light alloy tailboom, pre-assembled and painted; wing has tubular spar; all parts prefabricated. Wing and empennage covered by fabric; control gaps sealed by Velcro.

LANDING GEAR: Tailwheel type; fixed. One-piece tapered aluminium cantilever main legs; main tyre size 8.00-6; manually operated brakes on mainwheels.

POWER PLANT: Prototype has one 37.0 kW (49.6 hp) Rotax 503 DC air-cooled, two-cylinder piston engine with 1:2.58 reduction gearing, driving a three-blade Ivo pusher propeller; alternatives are 47.8 kW (64.1 hp) Rotax 582 and 73.5 kW (98.6 hp) Rotax 912 liquid-cooled engines with angled radiator on wing upper surface, cooling airflow optimised by louvres. Fuel contained in single tank, capacity 34 litres (9.0 US gallons, 7.5 Imp gallons); second tank of similar capacity optional.

ACCOMMODATION: Two persons in tandem. Options of open cockpit with Lexan windscreen/nosecone; full windscreen; and fully enclosed cabin. Baggage in optional 'saddlebags' each side of cabane on open versions.