The world's first all-composite, unlimited class, aerobatic aircraft - the AkroTech G222 - is pulling the crowds at Le Bourget, thanks to its super-smooth finish and impressive lines.
AkroTech is a part of French company Aeronautical Services which also owns Avions Robin, producer of the popular range of GA and training aircraft, and the recently-rescued Avions Mudry, maker of the CAP range of aerobatic aircraft.
The Lycoming-powered machine uses an AE10-360 four-cylinder engine delivering 200hp through a constant speed propeller and it has a roll-rate (the fastest in class) of 420-degrees per second. Pulling high 'g' is catered for through seats raked at 45degrees, while clear digital instrumentation in the rear cockpit is pilot-friendly.
Designed in Portland, Oregon, by Richard Giles, the G222 on display at Le Bourget is the first example to be built in Europe.
Stressed to +/-10g, the aircraft is also unusual in that it's a two-seater, making it ideal for training.
When flown in competition, the pilot sits in the rear seat where the eye-line is behind the straight trailing edge, giving excellent points of reference.
Stopped
Priced at $170,000 ready to go - not much more than half the cost of the competition - the G222 will shortly be certificated in Europe, although lack of formal approval hasn't stopped the company from taking one firm and four possible orders already.
Although all European-built aircraft will be supplied fully finished, the G222 is available in the US for self-assembly.
The company's Steve Hill says that it arrives looking just like a giant plastic aeroplane kit.
The wings are two piece mouldings, with the ribs and spar already moulded into place.
The two-piece spar has 64 carbon plies - it's less than an hour's work to remove the wings for towed transit, although the ferry range is extensive thanks to the 4.5 hours' endurance and 177kts cruise.
The monocoque fuselage is a two-piece 'bath tub' moulding and with no rivets, the level of finish is spectacular.
Hill, who flies the aircraft in competition and at US airshows, says the aircraft is so strong that concern about the engine is the only reason for the 'g' limitations!
"Pulling far more than the recommended 'g' would firstly result in the pilot blacking out- then the engine would fall off long before the wings would snap."
Source: Flight Daily News
