The award for the smallest flight-worthy aircraft at the Show must go to the tiny Jabiru ultra-light aircraft on the static display. The Australian-designed aircraft has been brought to the Show by Norfolk, England-based ST Aviation, UK agent for the Jabiru UL and SK kitplanes.
The two-seat Jabiru UL is primarily used for flying training. ST Aviation, formed four years ago as a subsidiary to Survey Technology, has a flying maintenance site with its own airstrip and hangar at Southery, Norfolk. From here it arranges Jabiru aircraft demonstrations. This is ST Aviation's first visit to the Show. It has joined Belgian Jabiru-distributor Limair, which is here as part of the Belgian delegation (Hall 1-B11).
Problems
The Jabiru is simultaneously exhibiting at the American Oshkosh airshow and the only thing taking the shine off Farnborough for ST Aviation managing director Kevin Pearce is that he can only spend two days here before jetting off to Wisconsin. "The change of date for Farnborough does pose problems for those of us in the general aviation market." But he's been delighted with the level of interest in the Jabiru. "It's the kind of aircraft that even commercial pilots who want something for recreation are interested in."
The Jabiru, which first flew in 1989 and was certified in 1991, is powered by a Jabiru four-cylinder four-stroke air cooled engine designed specifically for the aircraft. It has a cruise speed of 185km/h (100kt) and a top speed of 297km/h (169kt).
Source: Flight Daily News
