Belite Aircraft will unveil two new versions based on its existing Belite 254 FAR Part 103 compliant ultralight aircraft at the annual US Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, Jan. 21-24: The new Trike and Superlite models.
“Many existing pilots don’t have the tailwheel skills, so the Trike solves the problem and opens up another flying option,” CEO James Wiebe said. “It’s still an ultralight, so it can still be operated without FAA registration or a current medical, but its ground handling and landing manners are much like a Cessna 172. It looks good, it is fun to fly and it’s also economical. It also incorporates a lightweight aluminum tube fuselage and can be ordered with either a 28 horsepower or 45 hp engine.
The Trike features a free castering nose wheel and composite main gear, a good looking 5 gallon spun aluminum fuel tank and a fully-covered cockpit interior.
The Superlite is equipped with a twin opposed cylinder 50 hp Hirth engine with dual ignition. Available in both fully built, Ready to Fly or kit form, the Superlite is also equipped with a ballistic parachute. It weighs 278 pounds, making it FAR Part 103 legal with a parachute allowance.
“We have already put this aircraft through its paces in flight test,” Wiebe stated, “and it required a ground roll of only about 100 feet to get airborne. When takeoff power is applied, it leaps into the air and climbs at an outrageous rate. The tail comes up immediately, and then the plane unglues from the runway in an amazingly short distance. ”
Wiebe also pointed out that, in order to meet FAR Part 103 requirements, engine power in the Superlite is ground limited to approximately 38 hp to ensure that ultralight cruise speed limitations of 62 mph is not exceeded. When owner built as an experimental aircraft, owners may dial in full engine power through a 60 x 36 propeller, providing maximum takeoff performance.
The Superlite uses the same fuselage and wing similar to Belite’s existing 254CF model. (Wing area has been increased by approximately 2 square feet through the use of larger flaperons.) The engine mount, engine and propeller provide a new performance combination. Carbon fiber is used extensively in the wing, firewall, seat back, seat bottom and floorboard to minimize weight. The fuselage and cabin area are welded aircraft steel for safety and strength. The cockpit windshield and cabin top are Lexan for safety and 360° of vision. Belite also utilizes larger 5.00 x 5 tires in the Superlite, which provide better ground handling (especially on rougher runways) and a sporty look, Weibe noted. Belite also now includes a spun aluminum 5 gallon fuel tank.
Ready To Fly Factory pricing starts at $25,000. Kits start at under $10,000.
For more information: 316-253-6746 or BeliteAircraft.com
General Aviation News reserves the right to delete snarky, offensive or off-topic comments. See our Comment Policy for more details.