Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat

A-22 Foxbat
Role Sports Light Aircraft
National origin Ukraine
Manufacturer Aeroprakt
Designer Yuri Yakovlev
First flight 21 October 1996
Introduction 1999
Status In production
Produced 2000 to present
Unit cost
US$79,999 (complete, 2011)[1]
Variants Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen

The Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat is a Ukrainian two-seat, high-wing, tricycle gear ultralight aircraft that was designed by Yuri Yakovlev and is manufactured by Aeroprakt. In the United States the A-22 is referred to as the Valor,[2] while in the UK and Australia it is called the Foxbat. It has also been marketed as the Vision.[1][3]

The Aeroprakt A-22 is supplied either as "ready-to-fly" factory built aircraft, or as a kit,[1] consisting of 152 pieces. The kit can be built in about 500 man-hours.

The A-22 meets the definition of an FAI microlight.[1][3]

Design and development

Aeroprakt of Kiev began design of the A-22 in February 1990, with the first prototype making its maiden flight on 21 October 1996, and a German-certified version entering production in 1999.[4]

The A-22's structure is almost completely all-metal with only the engine cowling, wing fillets and wheel spats being made of composites. The wings and control surfaces are fabric covered. The aircraft has excellent visibility, due to the large amount of glazing, including convex doors, that allow the occupants to look straight down. The A-22 uses a 3-axis control system, giving the pilot full control over the aircraft. The A-22 uses flaperons in place of ailerons and flaps, giving a stall speed of 52 km/h (32 mph) with the flaperons fully down.[1][5]

The A-22 Foxbat, showing its unique window arrangement
A-22 Foxbat
A-22 Foxbat
A-22 Foxbat
Aeroprakt A-22LS

The kit comes with either the 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL or optionally the 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS. The 85 hp (63 kW) Jabiru 2200 can also be fitted.[1][3]

Originally the A-22 came fitted with a 40-litre inboard fuel tank behind the seats although later models have wing tanks holding 37.5 litres per side. The propeller is a 3-blade composite ground adjustable KievProp. Dual controls are standard, using a single central "Y" yoke or optionally twin yoke control system.

Specifications (A-22 Valor, Rotax 912 ULS engine)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004[6]

General characteristics

Performance

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 20. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Aeroprakt USA A-22
  3. 1 2 3 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 118. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  4. Jackson 2003, p. 464.
  5. The UK 'Foxbat' website
  6. Jackson 2003, pp. 464–465.

External links

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