Aquila of Germany is targeting the two-seat training market with its all-composite A210, which is due to have its maiden flight later this year.
This is the first time the Berlin-based company has designed and built its own aircraft, having previously undertaken certification work on behalf of other light aircraft manufacturers.
The A210 is fitted with a 75kW (100hp) Bombardier Rotax 912S engine, and its advanced wing design gives it a minimum flying speed of only 44kt (81km/h), versus a top speed of 165kt.
Aquila joint managing director Markus Wagner says: "The data is preliminary as we haven't flown yet, but we have a very modern wing section."
Slow-speed performance has been boosted by adding single-slotted Fowler flaps and, for higher speeds, "the main advantage is that the laminar flow section goes to very low lift coefficients".
The A210 is being marketed at DM225,000 ($122,450) and Aquila plans to build four aircraft a month after certification has been achieved.
Source: Flight International
