Porto Aviation Group (was SEO-Avio) Archives

Porto Aviation Group (was SEO-Avio)

Website: http://www.flyrisen.com/indexEn.html

Cremella, LC - Italy

Streaking through the Sky — Speedy Risen Continues our Top-50 Aircraft Series

By Dan Johnson || June 22, 2023 16 Comments

When this series started, Icon's shapely A5 LSA seaplane topped the list. Handsome as it is and like most seaplanes, A5 is not particularly fast. The subject of this second in the series of 50 aircraft is Porto Aviation's Risen. You might say it is on the other end of the speed spectrum Risen rips!

This one challenges all others in the speed contest for LSA (and later, mLSA). Our #2 video on Videoman Dave's immense library has garnered 700,000 views. That's particularly satisfying as Dave was able to use footage from my first solo video effort.

I was at Aero Friendrichshafen 2015 when Risen made its debut. Videoman Dave was not able to attend that year but I hit it off with developer Alberto Porto and he consented to work with me. I was just learning how to shoot a video so for this one to go over well speaks loudly about how much pilots love Risen. Who wouldn't? In this article I will update the subject aircraft you've enjoyed on video for eight years …yet I can do even better.

Updating Risen

I am further pleased about that 2015 Risen video becoming so popular because at Aero 2023, I again shot my own video and present it for you below. You can view and compare the 2015 Risen announcement and predictions with the current state of the art: SuperVeloce.

SuperVeloce can now be delivered with Rotax 915iS or 916iS.

In fact, the new video has enough quality information in it that I will summarize comments below and let you listen and watch for yourselves. Alberto's English is good and you can understand him well. In this way you get the story directly from the designer. Speed Range — Top end, using true airspeed, can exceed 240 knots! This number puts SuperVeloce in the league of Lancair and Glasair, owners of which have become Risen or SuperVeloce owners. True airspeed is different from indicated, as all pilots know. Alberto notes that never-exceed speed is 210 knots indicated. Risen achieved high speeds using only 100 horsepower from a carbureted Rotax 912ULS. Now with the 915iS and 916iS, power output jumps to 141 or 160 horsepower. Even with the most potent powerplant, SuperVeloce is far more fuel efficient than engines in a Lancair or Glasair.

Flower flaps extend deeply allowing generous airflow over the surface, greatly enhancing its efficiency. Note landing light on retractable gear leg.

Structural Upgrades — To accommodate so much extra oomph, SuperVeloce required significant engineering and analysis plus lots of testing. The wing got smaller but the fuselage stayed the same, visually. In fact, it had enhancements under the skin to strengthen SuperVeloce and to better protect it again flutter, a serious aerodynamic phenomena affecting faster aircraft. SuperVeloce and Risen are built primarily of carbon using monocoque construction where the fuselage body provides structural integrity. Wing Changes — In addition to bolstering the underlying structure, Alberto reduced span from Risen to Superveloce by about a meter, more exactly 80 centimeters or 31.5 inches. When he did this, glide performance declined from 23:1 to 20:1, though that is still strong enough to enter motorglider territory. Handling — Alberto notes that he cannot be impartial as Risen/SuperVeloce is his own design; to his credit, he acknowledged he is biased in favor of his creation. He defers to his customers for a more impartial view. Nonetheless, he expressed that he finds the handling easy and straightforward although he also cautions that to fly this airplane you must prepare. This is not an ultralight of the 1990s. Fleet Size — Since its debut in 2015 (production started later), 29 Risen aircraft are flying in several countries. In the USA, Porto has registered 10 aircraft, a worthy number in such a short time for a premium aircraft.

Using a drone view, Risen and SuperVeloce are compared; note wings and tail sizes.

V-tail Advantages Description — Alberto's choice of a V-tail was deliberate and built on experience from such legacy aircraft as Beechcraft's Bonanza. Reducing three fins to two means less interference drag while losing no control. Pilots who are puzzled about how a V-tail mixes rudder and elevator input should simply fly conventionally, Alberto said. The mixer will do what you want. V-tails are known for their efficiency and that is a watchword of SuperVeloce's development. Enjoy the twin videos!

ARTICLE LINKS:

FlyRisen.com, the website focused on Risen and SuperVeloce
Porto Aviation Group, the website for the company which also builds props and does outside engineering work
Porto Aviation, all reporting on this company and its aircraft on this website

Here is the original debut video that YouTube viewers have enjoyed so much. Watch it one more time. https://youtu.be/sfy4UWv041o In the following brand-new video recorded in April 2023, learn how designer Alberto Porto upgraded his Risen into the high performing SuperVeloce. This 14-minute video is packed with information and many images. https://youtu.be/g_H220j2MVQ

When this series started, Icon’s shapely A5 LSA seaplane topped the list. Handsome as it is and like most seaplanes, A5 is not particularly fast. The subject of this second in the series of 50 aircraft is Porto Aviation’s Risen. You might say it is on the other end of the speed spectrum Risen rips! This one challenges all others in the speed contest for LSA (and later, mLSA). Our #2 video on Videoman Dave’s immense library has garnered 700,000 views. That’s particularly satisfying as Dave was able to use footage from my first solo video effort. I was at Aero Friendrichshafen 2015 when Risen made its debut. Videoman Dave was not able to attend that year but I hit it off with developer Alberto Porto and he consented to work with me. I was just learning how to shoot a video so for this one to go over well speaks loudly about how much pilots love Risen.

Aero ’23 Day 1 — Superveloce = Superfast… Speed Propels Porto Aviation to Records & Sales

By Dan Johnson || April 20, 2023 16 Comments

In the last couple years a rivalry erupted among companies in Europe aiming to be the fastest LSA-type aircraft*. I have previously reported on Porto Aviation and its fast-flying ways.

Setting aside the politics of FAI-recognized record flights, no question remains that designer Alberto Porto is determined to create a very fast-flying aircraft. Check this article with more about speed attempts and to see images of a fixed-gear version called Siren. Gear up with an adjustable prop and flown at common cruise altitudes, it's clear that Superveloce lives up to its name.

What could the typical pilot expect while flying Superveloce? Porto Aviation lists the cruise speed at 75% power from Rotax's 915iS at 200 knots true airspeed at 9,000 feet. Compared to other LSA I have examined, this tops the list (although some other fast designs aren't too far behind). Porto Aviation, previously quartered in Switzerland, is now a bit further south in Italy. Flying across his former country and the large Bodensee lake to Friedrichshafen, about 200 miles, took Porto just over one hour in the machine seen in the nearby images. By car this would take over four hours. For a large country like America, Superveloce can get you around fast. It also has an impressive range. No wonder Yankees are buyers.

How Fast Is Superveloce?

OK, it's fast but… Isn't this well beyond LSA speeds? — Yes, it is. Superveloce must be sold in the USA as a kit-built or it might be imported (in limited numbers) as Experimental Exhibition or some other Experimental category. However, when Mosaic is released, based on what we expect at this time, Superveloce could qualify. We do expect retractable gear, in-flight adjustable props, higher stall, and faster speeds, although we do not yet know if Sport Pilots will be allowed to operate this aircraft with that certificate. How fast is this aircraft? — Engines such as Rotax's 915iS can bring the 9,000-foot cruise true airspeed close to 200 knots burning just under 7 gallons per hour and able to range more than 800 nautical miles. No wonder Superveloce gets a pilot's heart pumping strongly. See more detail in the table at bottom.

Fowler flaps extend far enough to allow generous airflow (arrow), greatly adding to its slow-speed flight qualities.

With its smaller "speed wing," can Superveloce stay within LSA regs? — You might rightfully wonder about that but although stall rose six knots from the earlier Risen model, it still claims a best-flaps stall at 43 knots indicated, which is within current LSA parameters and safely below the 50-knot stall speed expected under Mosaic regulations, though we have not yet seen FAA's Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) to verify this number. A key reason Superveloce can achieve this sane stall speed from a speed wing is the brilliant execution of Fowler flaps (image with arrow).

For complete factory information on speeds, see the data sheet below. Note the right column portrays Risen 915iS SV — with "SV" designating Superveloce. Even with the less costly and more fuel efficient 912iS, Risen can still hit 162 knots at 9,000 feet. For still more on Superveloce and its speedy ways, see this article from 2021.

Looking Back; Looking Forward

At the beginning of 2010 Alberto Porto and his partners started construction of the first Risen prototype. Two years later on a sunny Swiss morning in March 2012, the Risen aircraft made its maiden flight.

Alberto Porto (L) and his partner, Danilo Parlatano were all smiles at Aero 2023. Alberto flew this aircraft from Italy to Friedrichshafen in just over one hour.

After work to refine the model and to prepare for production the first aircraft ready for customers was unveiled on April 15th, 2015 at Aero. My video below was recorded at this debut. Eight years later, this project is mature with 25 flying, 10 of which are in the United States and interest is steadily growing. Now that his airplane-building company has satisfied more than two dozen customers, Alberto is planning ahead. He is actively supporting American builders — by in-person visits on some occasions. As Mosaic arrives and he can meet relevant ASTM standards, Alberto wants to establish a U.S. operation, possibly doing final assembly or more as the market develops.

Superveloce deceives the eye with this apparently tiny engine compartment. This is not electric; a Rotax 915iS is hidden under this unique cowling. The big canopy power opens by a press of a switch, as Porto repeatedly demonstrated to Aero attendees.

If speed is your thing, wouldn't "superfast" be even better?

ARTICLE LINKS:

Porto Aviation, all content on this website
Porto Aviation, factory website
Aero Friedrichshafen, show website
More speed specifications, see table below

Years ago, when the project was brand new, I recorded this interview with developer Alberto Porto as he first displayed his speed machine to visitors at Aero 2015. Showing how popular this flying machine proved to be, the video has been viewed almost 700,000 times. It describes the beginning of Risen, which has now lead to Superveloce. https://youtu.be/sfy4UWv041o * Superveloce is LSA-like but with features such as retractable gear and higher cruise speeds, this aircraft does not qualify as a present-day LSA.

Factory Listing of Speeds

In the last couple years a rivalry erupted among companies in Europe aiming to be the fastest LSA-type aircraft*. I have previously reported on Porto Aviation and its fast-flying ways. Setting aside the politics of FAI-recognized record flights, no question remains that designer Alberto Porto is determined to create a very fast-flying aircraft. Check this article with more about speed attempts and to see images of a fixed-gear version called Siren. Gear up with an adjustable prop and flown at common cruise altitudes, it’s clear that Superveloce lives up to its name. What could the typical pilot expect while flying Superveloce? Porto Aviation lists the cruise speed at 75% power from Rotax’s 915iS at 200 knots true airspeed at 9,000 feet. Compared to other LSA I have examined, this tops the list (although some other fast designs aren’t too far behind). Porto Aviation, previously quartered in Switzerland, is now a bit further south in Italy.

Warp Speed! — Designer Alberto Porto Says, “Make It So” with Risen SuperVeloce

By Dan Johnson || June 25, 2021 11 Comments

Most of us would be mighty pleased to sit comfortably and gaze upon our pace-setting aircraft. As reported recently, Alberto Porto, head of Porto Aviation, flew to a higher altitude and managed to squeak past the 400 kilometer per hour (true airspeed) barrier in his supersleek Risen powered by the turbocharged Rotax 914 engine.

Most of us, however, are not Alberto. Apparently, this man does not care to sit idly and admire his past achievements. When you've already designed what may be the fastest LSA-type aircraft in the world, what do you do next? Shorten Risen's wing span, install a more powerful engine and go even faster. Duh! Original Risen wingspan: 29.5 feet — Risen SuperVeloce wingspan: 26.9 feet. How much difference results when span loses 31 inches and power increases 40%? Speed demons want to know.

Can LSA Fly So Fast?

The speed olympics are going on in Europe where authorities do not restrict the velocity of what they call "ultralights" or "microlights." In the USA, very similar models are called Light-Sport Aircraft, except LSA are trapped by that darn 120 knot speed limit.

It's worth noting several countries that accept ASTM standards do not limit speed. That's why ASTM created standards for retracts, adjustable props, and other developments that are not presently permitted in America. (The organization is now called ASTM International for that precise reason.) Are U.S.-based LSA genuinely limited to 120 knots? Yes, and no. While this may change in the regulation to come at the end of 2023, present-day American LSA are limited to a maximum of 120 knots in level flight at sea level. Most pilots are aware that indicated speeds translate to higher numbers at, say, 10,000 feet above sea level. Some LSA are advertised as capable of reaching 150 knots at high altitude …and that is perfectly okay.

An original "long wing" Risen making a low pass, gear up.

So, if you make the airplane as clean and slick as possible with a speed wing design and if you use retractable gear and in-flight adjustable prop plus install the highest horsepower engine in the Rotax line, you might fly well beyond 140 knots at altitude (150 knots is 278 kph). Creator Alberto Porto went up high with the original Risen fitted with a turbocharged Rotax 914 and was able to reach 400.45 kilometers per hour or 216 knots. Most of us would be pleased to hit such a number. Most of us might rest on our laurels but Alberto is not most of us.

Re-Inventing Risen

Take that same speed demon Risen and clip its wings and tail slightly while fitting a 141-horsepower Rotax 915iS turbocharged, intercooled engine. What to expect?

"Risen powered with the Rotax 914 turbo for the first time passed the barrier of 400 kph (249 mph) on a 15 kilometer straight course and 379 kph (235 mph) on a 50-kilometer triangle. Truly spectacular especially with a 115 horsepower engine. Just imagine what would happen with a 915iS?" asked Commercial Director, Stéphan D’haene in the fall of 2020. "As Porto Aviation, we don’t believe you can just install a 40% more powerful engine in the same airframe," continued Stéphan. "Either your 100 horsepower version is underpowered, or [an airframe with a] 141 horsepower 915iS will be overpowered. This is just physics. Exceptions are, of course, STOL or other draggy designs that will see only a relative small increase of cruise speed due to drag. Risen has the lowest drag ratio in the industry, so adding 40% more power is a lot for an already-fast aircraft."

Contrasted to many LSA, SuperVeloce looks like you could reach out of the cockpit and touch the wing tips.

Stéphan also commented on changes in European regulations that permit a higher stall speed. As FAA also appears headed toward higher stall, Alberto looks like a visionary in clipping Risen's wings a bit. "As the LTF-UL2019 certification standard for 600 kilogram Ultralights no longer limits the stall speed to 65 kilometers per hour, but a significantly higher 80 kilometers per hour, Alberto decided to leverage the real potential of the magnificent Rotax 915iS," wrote Stéphan. "The airframe received a set of shorter wings and as a consequence, also the oversized Risen V-tail was reduced for perfect balance. This version of the Risen deserves its own type name: Risen 915iS SuperVeloce." Then he hinted, "We believe it’s the perfect name for a 450 kilometer per hour (243 knot) max cruise two-seater!"

First Impressions

"I got the opportunity to fly with Alberto in this amazing new version of Risen," reported Stéphan. Without any hesitation I can confirm that the aircraft flies as easy and straight forward as the original Risen, which remains in production in combination with the 912iS 100 horsepower engine." He noted the 100 horsepower model offers excellent economy and is a range champion.

"We performed stalls and saw a 10 kilometer per hour or 6 knot increase compared to the normal Risen," observed Stéphan. "This is great news as it confirms the computer simulations and allows us to stay within European Microlight regulations, too." Going fast pays benefits, at least for buyers that have somewhat thicker wallets. "Let’s not forget Risen has one of the largest cabins on the market with ultimate comfort for those long trips," added the commercial director. "Our first 12 months of production are already sold out, even though few outside the factory have seen the aircraft." Serial production reportedly commenced three months ago. SuperVeloce #2 will soon take its maiden flight. Stéphan expressed, "Many U.S. pilots want this aircraft. There are going to be a lot of busy builders!" Care to be among them?

The following information is provided by the manufacturer and is subject to change.

Most of us would be mighty pleased to sit comfortably and gaze upon our pace-setting aircraft. As reported recently, Alberto Porto, head of Porto Aviation, flew to a higher altitude and managed to squeak past the 400 kilometer per hour (true airspeed) barrier in his supersleek Risen powered by the turbocharged Rotax 914 engine. Most of us, however, are not Alberto. Apparently, this man does not care to sit idly and admire his past achievements. When you’ve already designed what may be the fastest LSA-type aircraft in the world, what do you do next? Shorten Risen’s wing span, install a more powerful engine and go even faster. Duh! Original Risen wingspan: 29.5 feet — Risen SuperVeloce wingspan: 26.9 feet. How much difference results when span loses 31 inches and power increases 40%? Speed demons want to know. Can LSA Fly So Fast? The speed olympics are going on in Europe where authorities do not restrict the velocity of what they call “ultralights” or “microlights.” In the USA, very similar models are called Light-Sport Aircraft, except LSA are trapped by that darn 120 knot speed limit.

Faster and Faster — Porto Aviation’s Risen Eclipses the 400 Kilometer per Hour Barrier

By Dan Johnson || May 30, 2021 6 Comments

The appeal is obvious. What pilot doesn't like the idea of flying faster? Even those of us who enjoy low-and-slow Part 103 ultralights remain intrigued by the idea of going fast, eating up the miles en route to a destination. [Article updated 5/31/21 with additional information. —DJ]

Alberto Porto put a smile on the face of Troy Jones' daughter after flying in Italy.

Since I first saw this aircraft when it was unveiled to the world at Aero 2015, I have kept my eye on Risen. It was clear this design was going places… literally. I used a bit of English humor in the lead photo saying "Risen Shine," meant to play off "Rise and shine," a get-out-of-bed-and-get-to-work phrase common in the U.S. The truth is, you don't pronounce it RYE-sen. Porto Aviation Group marketing man Stéphan D’haene clarified that they say REE-sen. However you may say the name, Risen is one ripping-fast aircraft. Below you'll read about its latest speed record but Americans may be interested to hear the first example is now tearing up the skies over Montana.

First in America

At the end of 2020, on December 10th Porto Aviation Group celebrated an accomplishment: "We got the first ‘November’ tail in the air." They refer to a a Risen with N-numbers on it as the first U.S.-registered model in America.

A family that flies together, visiting Risen at its home airfield.

Their launch customer is a long, tall medical doctor looking for a fast, efficient, and economical commuter and travel aircraft. "Troy Jones was exhausted with long car drives and hotel overnights," said Porto Aviation. "He preferred to fly his own aircraft so he could get home to his family by end of day." Jones stands 6 feet 9 inches so finding an aircraft that could accommodate his tall frame was not easy. After discovering Risen, Troy emailed with designer Alberto Porto subsequently booking a trip to Italy to see if he actually fit. According to Porto, Risen has "a fully modular cockpit that can be adjusted to any owner requirements." They believed the sleek aircraft could easily accommodate a pilot of Troy's height. It did and a purchase was arranged. In 2019 and early 2020, before Covid, Troy spent time in Italy building his Risen using Porto Aviation's building-assist program. His family joined him, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Lake Como and the Italian Alps while Troy worked on his aircraft. Porto is located near the Swiss/Italian border.

Checking out Risen at Porto's home airfield in northern Italy; gear is shown partially retracted.

As summer 2020 arrived, the building was completed and Porto Aviation finished the task by painting the aircraft and packing it in a standard 20-foot container for shipment to the USA. After long delays related to Covid, Alberto Porto traveled in early December to Lander, Wyoming to be present during the aircraft inspection by a DAR. Giving his first U.S. bird a careful introduction, Alberto provided ground training with Troy and his flight instructor, John Larsen. Including his 40 hours of flying in a designated area as is common for all Experimental-Amateur Built aircraft, Troy has now logged about 50 hours in the 48-inch-wide speed machine. His Risen is powered by a turbocharged Rotax 914 as Lander airfield (KLND) has a 5,588 foot field elevation. With this engine, his Risen can handle the density altitude well and can hit 200 knots while boasting a typical cruise of 180 knots. Climb exceeds 1,500 feet per minute. Amplifying its speedy ways, Risen boasts a most impressive 23:1 glide ratio. A shorter wing version is also available. Troy's Risen is equipped with a Dynon HDX system combined with Garmin’s latest GPS navigator for IFR compliance. The Italian company also offers a full Garmin suite. If you are intrigued by Risen but not sure you want the cost, complexity, or maintenance of a retractable-gear aircraft, Porto Aviation offers a fixed-gear version called Siren. Besides stiff-legged gear, Siren uses a simpler split flap system.

400-Kilometer Barrier Falls

Porto Aviation excitedly released this news: "Friday early morning, April 16^th 2021, Alberto Porto and Yasemin Arslan van Deursen flew a Risen to 400.45 kilometers per hour (248.8 mph) on a 15-kilometer straight course, a first for any [European] ultralight.

Alberto Porto gives further instruction to instructor John Larsen.

On the same day Porto and van Deursen flew another record: a new all-time high record 378.94 kilometers per hour on a 50-kilometer triangle track. Staying within European guidelines, the speedy Risen weighed a maximum of 472.5 kilograms (1,042 pounds) and demonstrated stall at less than 65 kilometers per hour or 35 knots). While the Europe-wide EASA now has a 600 kilogram (1,320 pound) class matching international LSA, individual European nations also have the "ultralight" class. In this classification, max weights are 450 kilograms without an emergency airframe parachute or 472.5 kilograms when so equipped; parachutes are mandatory in Germany and other nations accept this safety allowance. Powered by the same standard 115 horsepower Rotax 914UL engine, Risen was exactly the same ultralight (serial number) that set previous records on December 15^th, 2019. The same sponsor stickers still appear on the fuselage.

Troy Jones' Risen is now N-numbered, based in Montana, and free to fly American skies.

Some give-and-take between producers of speedy light aircraft — reported here — prompted Alberto Porto go show his design's prowess in a more similar comparison. FAI record attempts are done in multiple categories to accommodate aircraft of many types. Of course, rules exist for each of them but rules are sometimes changed or viewed differently by new judges. Rather than getting caught up in rule writing, Alberto vowed to recover his record. For technical people, Porto Aviation wrote, "The 2015 Risen 912ULS record (323.84 km/h or 175 knots) was beaten in 2019 by the Risen 914 (337.51 km/h or 182 knots). Both are MSL and ISA and you are comparing apples with apples. It’s a difference in speed that is in line with the increase of horsepower, laws of physics-compliant. Yet, we claim today with the same Risen 914 at FL100 a speed of 400.45 kilometers per hour or 216 knots." "Can anyone see us claiming that our Risen 914 is now 62.94 kilometers per hour (34 knots) faster than the same Risen 914," Porto Aviation asked? "Of course not. It’s still exactly the same aircraft, but at different flight conditions." This article explains the record-setting task in more detail. For now, suffice it to say that whatever the records body, FAI, says, Troy Jones' Risen is one of the fastest light planes in the USA. I'll bet it won't be the last.

Porto Aviation is now offering this full Garmin suite in Risen.

The followings video, recorded at Aero 2015, has been viewed more than 600,000 times. The design was new then but it has continued to attract interest. Designer Alberto Porto shows us around his intense speed machine. The company website changed since the video was uploaded. Go here for more. https://youtu.be/sfy4UWv041o

A few readers asked if Risen uses flaperons. This image shows the answer and further reveals the air-flow efficiency of Fowler flaps plus the compound shape of the leading edge.

The appeal is obvious. What pilot doesn’t like the idea of flying faster? Even those of us who enjoy low-and-slow Part 103 ultralights remain intrigued by the idea of going fast, eating up the miles en route to a destination. [Article updated 5/31/21 with additional information. —DJ] Since I first saw this aircraft when it was unveiled to the world at Aero 2015, I have kept my eye on Risen. It was clear this design was going places… literally. I used a bit of English humor in the lead photo saying “Risen Shine,” meant to play off “Rise and shine,” a get-out-of-bed-and-get-to-work phrase common in the U.S. The truth is, you don’t pronounce it RYE-sen. Porto Aviation Group marketing man Stéphan D’haene clarified that they say REE-sen. However you may say the name, Risen is one ripping-fast aircraft. Below you’ll read about its latest speed record but Americans may be interested to hear the first example is now tearing up the skies over Montana.

Racing Risen — A “Pandora’s Box” (and Lesson) About Speed Records in Light Aircraft

By Dan Johnson || June 8, 2020 12 Comments

In our strongest month ever, April 2020, our biggest story was about the Swedish Blackwing "Speed Monster." Pilots almost universally admire a beautiful and fast aircraft. Blackwing won hearts …and perhaps some orders for the Scanadanavian manufacturer. Blackwing edged out Risen with its record flight, prompting a representative of Porto Aviation Group to provide a deeper perspective. Many years ago as an active hang glider pilot, I found the records-keeping body, FAI, to be very strict and formal in how it administered world record claims.

Siren or Risen Whatever the Name; It's Fast

One of my most popular videos (with well over a half million views and hundreds of comments) is an interview I did with Alberto Porto, developer of Risen. It was 2015 and he had just introduced his speedster He said it would set records and it turns out he knew what he was saying.

Porto's Siren looks fast even with fixed landing gear.

When I read Blackwing's statements about eclipsing an older record, I wondered at the name Siren, the previous record holder. I wondered if it was a misspelling of Risen, but no, it was not. Risen is the retractable gear model. Siren is a fixed wing example (nearby photos). Porto commercial director Stéphan D’haene wrote, "The [Blackwing people] were flying at FL100 (10,000 feet MSL). We were flying sea level. That makes a huge difference," he exclaimed! "We are in discussion with FAI for clarification of the rules," Stéphan continued, "as different countries make different interpretations, apparently." He refers to FAI's practice of designating a national group to oversee and verify record claims before sending to the international headquarters.

Porto Aviation Siren fixed gear with a carbureted Rotax 912 ULS heading out for a 50km closed course record.

I noted the inexact match of record attempts. SEA/Porto's record attempts were flown at a low altitude under FAI rules that "have evidently been reinterpreted," Stéphan speculated. Any flexibility in how FAI reads the data is hard for me to accept given how rigid they used to be. In addition, he noted Siren was limited to 1,042 pounds (472.5 kilograms, a European microlight standard). Stall was less than 35 knots and Porto's fixed gear design had some 40% less horsepower available. Those points add up to a significant difference.

Siren undergoes a weighing process under FAI supervision; fuel and crew must remain below 472.5 kilograms (1,042 pounds). Although Siren is labeled "Turbozentrum," the aircraft is equipped with a non-turbocharged 912 ULS and is completely stock. Turbozentrum was one of the record attempt sponsors.

"For the Risen 914T — introduced in 2016 — our brochure stated 75% cruise at 355 kilometers per hour (192 knots)," Stéphan noted. "At full power the aircraft will exceed 200 knots at FL100." "Altitude is a key contributing factor to a record based on ground speed," observed Porto Aircraft, expressing a point most pilots will recognize. "We all know, that speed varies with altitude." Stéphan said, "[This means] the two record flights (Blackwing more recently and Risen a few years back) were not done in comparable conditions. For that reason, they should not be compared." He explained that FAI previously stuck to a consistent approach that allowed records to be compared using a correction factor.

Team Porto Aviation Group pose with both record-setting aircraft (fixed-gear Siren at back with retractable Risen behind team).

Speaking for company boss Alberto Porto, Stéphan believes Risen 914 Turbo would fly 10 kilometers per hour (5.4 knots) faster than the Blackwing powered by the more powerful 915iS. He also reported, "Alberto did not go all the way during that run. He left some room to do future records." "It’s very simple. If we extrapolate the performance of the Risen 914T using the FAI correction factor, Risen 914T would be 392 kilometers per hour and [thereby] faster than Blackwing," Stéphan stated. "We didn’t even mention the 22.5% more power" that Blackwing's 915 has over Risen's 914. In the previous benchmark, the retractable, turbocharged Risen claimed a straight-line record — but the story continues.

"Things are even more confusing for the [second record for a] 50-kilometer closed-circuit course," said Stéphan. "In every record we attempt, our motivation is to show that our marketing brochure is very accurate without inflated numbers. Because nobody could believe the performance of the fixed-gear Siren with [100 horsepower] 912ULS, we decided to set a new record. The result was an astonishing 288 kilometers per hour (corrected for ISA). We could fly the Risen 914T and set a much faster record, because of retractable gear and an extra 15 horsepower of the Rotax 914." "We [did not believe another company would attempt to break a] record set by our fixed-gear Siren model," expressed Stéphan. "Why? Because [any speed] increase would be marginal, not much to brag about. All manufacturers in Europe understood that very well. There was [little] to win in beating this record and [until recently] everybody steered clear of the 50 kilometer closed circuit."

Previously reported Blackwing heads out for a record attempt.

"Not so for the Swedish," Stéphan believed. "…they found a solution but facts are still facts." The Blackwing 915 performance on the 50 kilometer course corrected to normal FAI calculation is 302 kilometers per our versus 288 for the fixed-gear Siren. That’s 14 kilometers per hour (7.6 knots) faster for a retractable gear design with 41% more power and higher cost. Just imagine a fixed-gear Siren with that same Rotax 915iS?"

Closing Thoughts

Stéphan observed that I had written (in my second article about Blackwing's achievement), "This ain’t over yet…" I suspect it is still not over but here we have an example of how records work to stimulate new innovation. While the exchange of official FAI record bragging rights from Blackwing and Porto make for interesting reading, the truth is both have accomplished a lot — speeds beyond 200 miles an hour on fairly small engines. Such a figure speaks to airframe efficiency, clever engineering, and determination. Aviation can use all of that it can get. Bravo to both companies!

https://youtu.be/sfy4UWv041o

In our strongest month ever, April 2020, our biggest story was about the Swedish Blackwing “Speed Monster.” Pilots almost universally admire a beautiful and fast aircraft. Blackwing won hearts …and perhaps some orders for the Scanadanavian manufacturer. Blackwing edged out Risen with its record flight, prompting a representative of Porto Aviation Group to provide a deeper perspective. Many years ago as an active hang glider pilot, I found the records-keeping body, FAI, to be very strict and formal in how it administered world record claims. Siren or Risen Whatever the Name; It’s Fast One of my most popular videos (with well over a half million views and hundreds of comments) is an interview I did with Alberto Porto, developer of Risen. It was 2015 and he had just introduced his speedster He said it would set records and it turns out he knew what he was saying.

More Details on Swedish Light-Sport Aircraft “Speed Monster” Record Attempt

By Dan Johnson || April 27, 2020 2 Comments

Our most-read story of 2020 was this breaking report on Blackwing's assault on the world speed record for the Microlight category. Since we published that article, Blackwing Sweden CEO Niklas Anderberg offered more details and — because this was a popular read for many visitors — it is worthwhile to tell you, as famous radio broadcaster (and aviation enthusiast *), Paul Harvey, used to say "…the rest of the story."

— In His Own Words —

"On April 15th, a personal dream of mine came true," wrote Niklas earlier today. "We pushed the turbocharged Blackwing aircraft to a new speed record in FAI's Microlight RAL2T Category."

"A few weeks earlier," he continued, "we started high-speed taxi tests. We noticed immediately that this aircraft is something special. The turbo-charged engine (Rotax's new 915iS, a 141-horsepower turbocharged and intercooled entry) in combination with a single power lever [controlling] the hydraulic MT propeller, accelerated like nothing I have tried before. Already on the second test flight, we were reaching 195 knots at 3,000 feet. We were very excited and increased the envelope every day. At 5,000 feet we were reading 200 knots on the airspeed indicator, at full power [in] level flight. With fuel consumption of 10 liters/hour [2.64 gallons per hour] we were reading 130 knots TAS. Can this really be true airspeed? On the next flights, we carried a [FAI-required] logger and confirmed the Garmin speeds. "Due to the pandemic, unique possibilities opened up. We could fly at any altitude we would like, with the support from Sweden control [ATC]. On Saturday, we practiced the world record course three times. It was challenging to fly over 200 knots (400 kilometers per hour), bank three G, and still keeping a precise altitude. We also started to fly at heights, FL90-110, and at speeds higher than we ever have flown before. It felt good to have a parachute.

"On Tuesday the weather conditions were perfect. We decided to fly at 10,000 feet. The [FAI] criteria that the course could only be flown once made it even more intense. At the first turn, I climbed some 300 feet, and returning to altitude she accelerated to 219 knots (405 km/h). I felt extremely tense and had a hard time keeping the ball in the center. Overall I am happy that I managed to fly a pretty good course. On the straight course, we got 212 knots average speed. It was great to celebrate the success with my co-pilot Fredrik Lanz, and the rest of the Blackwing team.

"The flight testing will continue in spring and summer. After 50 hours of flight testing, we can start taking passengers. "The aircraft used for the record is a standard BW600RG with the Rotax 915iS engine. In order to optimize the drag, we only had one outside antenna and sealed some of the gaps." Once again, my heartiest congratutions to Niklas, Fredrik, and Team Blackwing, for a job well done!

This Ain't Over Yet

Meanwhile, in nearby Belgium, the folks from JMB Aircraft are promoting their own speedy Light-Sport Aircraft-like equipped with the Rotax 915iS.

"JMB Aircraft is proud to announce some achievements from the past few months," the company wrote recently. "After more than 100 hours of flight test with two planes, we manage with success to perform a V-dive test reaching an indicated 381 kilometers per hour and 425 km/h (229 knots) true air speed. This enable us to safely increase our VNE up to an indicated 340 kilometers per hour (184 knots)." On April 25th JMB added, "With all nominal operating parameters, we climbed to FL180 in 13 minutes with one short level off due to a too-fast climb reported by ATC. The conditions were ISO +7 degrees Celsius (45°F) and 600 kilogram MTOW. Our test pilots performed a level flight of several minutes at maximum continuous power and reached 380 km/h (205 knots) true airspeed, breaking the mythical 200 knot barrier."

I suspect the LSA-like airspeed race isn't over yet, especially given the previous record holder — Risen, from a formerly Swiss, now Italian company renamed as Porto Aviation Group — is another speedy design. All these aircraft, plus others such as BRM Aero's retractable model of their Bristell line, can fly faster than what FAA may be planning for LSA 2023 but these attempts might influence rule writers to consider faster-yet speeds. As the world slowly begins to emerge from the global lockdown, who know what speed feats we'll see next.

Not to leave Americans behind, consider Arion Aircraft's Yankee speedster, the Lightning XS (currently Experimental, but who knows in 2023?). https://youtu.be/gqOL9oZNzAw

* Paul Harvey was a very popular radio commentator who donated a substantial sum to EAA for the organization to establish a video studio. Each of his broadcasts began with, "You know what the news is; in a minute you're going to hear the rest of the story."

Our most-read story of 2020 was this breaking report on Blackwing’s assault on the world speed record for the Microlight category. Since we published that article, Blackwing Sweden CEO Niklas Anderberg offered more details and — because this was a popular read for many visitors — it is worthwhile to tell you, as famous radio broadcaster (and aviation enthusiast *), Paul Harvey, used to say “…the rest of the story.” — In His Own Words — “On April 15th, a personal dream of mine came true,” wrote Niklas earlier today. “We pushed the turbocharged Blackwing aircraft to a new speed record in FAI‘s Microlight RAL2T Category.” “A few weeks earlier,” he continued, “we started high-speed taxi tests. We noticed immediately that this aircraft is something special. The turbo-charged engine (Rotax‘s new 915iS, a 141-horsepower turbocharged and intercooled entry) in combination with a single power lever [controlling] the hydraulic MT propeller, accelerated like nothing I have tried before.

Sea-Avio — Risen (high performing Swiss microlight)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 4 Comments

One of the most eye-catching microlights at Aero 2015 was the Sea-Avio Risen. This may be the fastest aircraft in the world using a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS. At the show, we were able to interview the developer to get his view of his machine. What you see in the video is the first production model while the prototype has acquired more than 300 hours of flight time. It's expensive, yes, but man!, does this bird fly fast. Get more detail in this video.

One of the most eye-catching microlights at Aero 2015 was the Sea-Avio Risen. This may be the fastest aircraft in the world using a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS. At the show, we were able to interview the developer to get his view of his machine. What you see in the video is the first production model while the prototype has acquired more than 300 hours of flight time. It’s expensive, yes, but man!, does this bird fly fast. Get more detail in this video.

VIDEO — Check Out the Speedy Swiss Risen

By Dan Johnson || September 5, 2015 Leave a Comment

In this newest posted video, you see the gorgeous Risen from Sea-Avio.com (SEA is Swiss Excellence Airplanes). Update June 2020 — SEA is now Porto Aviation Group. Now, this is not simply one more entry in the increasingly crowded Light-Sport or (European) microlight market. This may be the fastest airplane in the fleet and is certainly — if not the fastest — one of the speediest airplanes to use the Rotax 912 ULS engine. In the video you'll hear some figures from Alberto Porto, the developer of Risen. Watch the video. At several airshows a year, Videoman Dave and I chase around the grounds and conduct interview of airplanes we find that we believe are new in some way or have qualities we think you may find of interest. We commonly do between 20 and 40 of these, so while we are done gathering material before the show ends, once Dave goes home, the real work begins.

As they are done and as I get the time to post them, I will advise you of new ones of interest. However, before I do that you can find many of the new ones plus all the earlier ones on the SportAviationMagazine.com YouTube channel. When you watch these videos here you can arrange them by date posted or by alphabetical listing. That's good as we have around 400 videos and many more to come so finding them can be challenging. Each video has a short description to help you see if you want to watch it. Please check back here often and visit the YouTube channel soon. Your support of that YouTube channel allows Videoman Dave to do his work. Please consider subscribing.

In addition to what you can read on ByDanJohnson.com, we have a growing library of videos. When I attend airshows, I frequently hear from attendees that they thoroughly enjoy these 8-12 minute productions. I have the fun job, seeking out airplanes and speaking to the developers behind them while on camera. After that my video partner, Dave, does the big job of editing these things into what I consider to be very nice productions. You get views of the airplane, hear the details, and see more about them than any other way than attending the airshow yourself. In this newest posted video, you see the gorgeous Risen from Sea-Avio.com (SEA is Swiss Excellence Airplanes). Update June 2020 — SEA is now Porto Aviation Group. Now, this is not simply one more entry in the increasingly crowded Light-Sport or (European) microlight market. This may be the fastest airplane in the fleet and is certainly — if not the fastest — one of the speediest airplanes to use the Rotax 912 ULS engine.