WALHALLA, S.C. — To accommodate larger engines, Just Aircraft has introduced the new SuperSTOL Stretch XL.
By adding an extra 2 feet to the aft section of the fuselage and 6 inches up front, the SuperSTOL Stretch XL can now handle the new UL Power 520 engine series and the Lycoming O-320 engine series for 150/160 hp, company officials report.
The standard SuperSTOL is powered by the 100-hp Rotax 912, which weighs approximately 165 pounds, with accessories, or the 115-hp Rotax 914, weighing 175 pounds.
The six-cylinder UL Power 520 weighs 255 pounds and the Lycoming O-320 is 315 pounds. The SuperSTOL Stretch can accommodate other types of engines weighing up to 315 pounds. Appropriate engine mounts and redesigned cowlings will accompany the SuperSTOL Stretch XL kits, company officials note.
Harrison Smith, who has completed Phase One flight testing, said: “This is one of the first aircraft in the world with a UL Power 520 engine, rated at 180 hp. Predictably, there’s an increase in the rate of climb and cruise speeds. The additional length in the Stretch XL provides handling similar to a high horsepower Super Cub. What’s really nice is that the UL Power 520 can burn autogas with up to 15% ethanol. The fact that the engine has six cylinders virtually eliminates vibration.”
The SuperSTOL Stretch XL’s rate of climb with the UL 520 is 3,000 fpm, company officials report. It will cruise 109 mph at 2,600 rpm and its landing speed is in the low 30s. Rollout with the UL 520 is 75 feet.