SportCruiser PiperSport |
|
---|---|
SportCruiser | |
Role |
Ultralight aircraft Light sport aircraft |
Manufacturer |
Czech Aircraft Works Czech Sport Aircraft |
Designer | Jiří Konečný |
Introduction | 2006 |
Produced | 2006-present |
Number built | 400+ |
Unit cost |
USD$119,000 - $139,000 (2010)
|
The CSA SportCruiser is a two-seat, single engine, tricycle undercarriage, fixed-wing aircraft that was introduced in 2006 by Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW), now named Czech Sport Aircraft.
In January 2010, the SportCruiser was added to the Piper Aircraft line as the PiperSport under a licensing agreement with Czech Sport Aircraft. This arrangement was terminated one year later in January 2011.
The aircraft is of all aluminum construction with a low wing configuration. It can be fitted with either a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS or a 120 hp (89 kW) Jabiru 3300 engine. Approved propellers include the Woodcomp Klassic 170/3/R.
The SportCruiser has an optional Ballistic Recovery Systems parachute, auto pilot and Dynon or TruTrak EFIS.
The aircraft is capable of cruising at 214 km/h (133 mph) with a range of 1,014 km (630 mi). No wind, standard day gross weight takeoff is achieved in 106 m (348 ft) and landing in 123 m (404 ft).
The SportCruiser is designed to fit into the ultralight or microlight category in several countries as well as the United States' Light-sport Aircraft category. Between 2006 and 2010 it was available either as a kit, or as a fully built production model. The SportCruiser is accepted as a US FAA LSA, FAA homebuilt kit and the UK under BCAR Section "S".
On 21 January 2010 Piper Aircraft announced that they had licensed a derivative of the SportCruiser and would market it as the PiperSport. Piper CEO Kevin Gould said: "The PiperSport is an amazing entry-level aircraft that will bring new customers into Piper and lead the way for those customers to step up into more sophisticated and higher performance aircraft within our line over time."