Shock Cub (Ultra Shock) Archives

Zlin Aviation Shock Cub (Ultra Shock)

Website: http://www.zlinaero.com

Email: customerservice@zlinaero.com

Holesov, -- - Czech Republic

U.S. Distributor is SportairUSA

Website: http://www.sportair.aero/

Email: bill@sportair.aero

Phone: (501) 228-7777

North Little Rock, AR 72118 - USA

What’s Enough Power? Always More? Maybe Not, as Bill Canino Explains Zlin’s Shock Ultra

By Dan Johnson || May 31, 2020 Leave a Comment

In the last couple months as we've all been struggling under the lockdowns happening across the country (and around the world), some of our best-read articles have been about going fast using the most powerful engines.

What pilot doesn't want more power? Or speed? The trouble with more power allowing more speed is that old auto racing line: "Speed costs money! How fast do you want to go?" How about a not-so-expensive option? U.S. importer Sportair USA has you covered.

Ultra Shock

If a name has "ultra" in it, the name implies the most of what you should want, right? Wrong! In this case, as famous architect Mies van der Rohe noted, "Less is More." It seems all the talk is about Rotax's 915iS or Titan's X340, or most recently Continental's CD-170. All these engines share at least two things: (1) They are awesomely powerful, and (2) they might bust your budget.

Rotax engine choices: 912 (100 horsepower); 914 (115 horsepower); and 915 (141 horsepower).

Not so many years ago, a 65-horse Rotax 582 (still available) was a potent engine. Then came the 9-series and everyone got spoiled on 100 horsepower. That engine ruled the LSA world — literally, all around the globe — for more than a decade since Light-Sport Aircraft burst upon the aviation scene. Nonetheless, somehow 100 horsepower began not to seem enough. I blame CubCrafters who began pushing 180 horsepower but the Jabiru 3300 (120 hp), the UL Power engines, and the Viking 130 (horsepower) also helped push the envelop. Finally, a mere 100 horsepower didn't seem so much anymore.

However, as power went up, so did prices. The 915, 340 and 170 mentioned above carry significantly higher price tags, and honestly, not all light aircraft need that much power. Plus, bigger engines are heavier so some of the added power is used to lift the extra engine weight. Zlin develop Pasquale Russo and U.S. importer Bill Canino think the familiar and proven Rotax 914 Turbo offered a "best of both worlds" proposition. For 2020, Zlin introduced the Norden concepts. Read our earlier article about it and see the video below for about Shock Ultra.

Coming To Be

"The natural evolution … of our Shock Cub, an aircraft created in 2016, developed our vision about an ideal bushflying aircraft," Pasquale told me at Aero Friedrichshafen. "Adventure yet with maximum safety (a protective cockpit cell and ideal aerodynamics of high performance at low speeds) represents the key."

Deep deploying multi-surface Fowler flaps.

Minimizing empty weight is critical for some buyers and led Pascale and Bill to seek a lighter version of the Shock Outback that is powered by the potent Titan X340. "We asked ourselves how much weight it would be possible to save, while maintaining the excellent performance of the Shock Outback," explained Pasquale. "It was clear to us that some of the fundamental Shock features — a wing with slats on demand, landing gear equipped with long-stroke shock absorbers, deep Fowler flaps (nearby image) — should be integral parts of our project." Through a general weight saving campaign involving the whole airframe, Zlin engineers managed to reach a demonstrated minimum empty weight of around 650 pounds when minimally equipped. This is far less than most other "Cubalikes."

"This required a long, meticulous revision and optimization of the whole airframe," said Pasquale, including fuselage, empennage, landing gear, nose cowl, fuselage skin, the cockpit interior, brakes and control surfaces. It became a reconfigured airplane from spinner to tailwheel. Careful weight reduction dropped the weight while keep their "hyper STOL" wing performance that can sustain speeds of barely more than 30 mph. "This is more typical for a powered paraglider than for a robust three-axis aircraft while maintaining interesting cruise speeds" Pasquale observed.

The modern Norden panel concept.

U.S. representative Bill Canino offered this list of worthy features for Shock Ultra: short takeoffs, quick climbout, short landings, tame landings, authoritative control, minimal touchdown rebound, safe slow flight, low stall speed, spin resistance, responsive controls, plus simple, strong construction that can be repaired by almost any qualified mechanic without special training. How much? While everyone's budget is different (and changes), the Rotax Shock series offers choices and one of them may meet your needs:

$117,125 with Rotax 912 (100 horsepower)
$132,895 with Rotax 914 (115 horsepower)
$146,345 with Rotax 915 (141 horsepower)
Prices subject to change — contact Sportair USA for the latest info

https://youtu.be/l5R7YAUmiA4 https://youtu.be/4ZlrarTv8J8

In the last couple months as we’ve all been struggling under the lockdowns happening across the country (and around the world), some of our best-read articles have been about going fast using the most powerful engines. What pilot doesn’t want more power? Or speed? The trouble with more power allowing more speed is that old auto racing line: “Speed costs money! How fast do you want to go?” How about a not-so-expensive option? U.S. importer Sportair USA has you covered. Ultra Shock If a name has “ultra” in it, the name implies the most of what you should want, right? Wrong! In this case, as famous architect Mies van der Rohe noted, “Less is More.” It seems all the talk is about Rotax‘s 915iS or Titan’s X340, or most recently Continental‘s CD-170. All these engines share at least two things: (1) They are awesomely powerful, and (2) they might bust your budget.

Virtual Aero Friedrichshafen — Zlin Aviation’s New Norden Sportplane

By Dan Johnson || March 26, 2020 2 Comments

Had not both shows been cancelled or postponed, I would be gearing up for Sun 'n Fun and Aero Friedrichshafen. The important spring events were due to start in less than a week. Now, Aero is put off until 2021 and Sun 'n Fun is about three weeks away from a Lakeland city-imposed final decision date (on April 17) regarding the new planned date of May 5-10, 2020. (I'm keeping my hopes up that our friends at that event will be able to launch their spring celebration of flight.) To help all of us through the next few weeks, I will be posting virtual airshow material — that is, I'll write about aircraft you would have seen had you been able to attend the show. Companies work very hard to get new products ready for these big spring events. To not lose momentum as governments around the world impose all manner of rules, I'll take the shows online… hence, "Virtual."

Why "Norden?"

"The plane is just the sum of my experience in this sector," wrote Zlin Aviation developer Pasquale Russo.

"Two years of hard job, more than 20 years of specific experience in this sector, invested into this new project. This new plane represents the sum of our vision, the expectations and needs coming from our customers and the desires of the STOL market. Design and elegance, innovations and safety, improved aerodynamics and performance, enhanced cabin comfort with new cargo capacity, reliability and strength, functionality and the potential to deliver new adventures, all come together quite well mixed." "It took a long time to decide a new name," said Pasquale. "Why Norden? Why a “globe” designed in place of the standard “O” and then an inverted N at the end? Basically, because we were inspired by the main cardinal point, the mythical North and because we always try to think different, so why not to invert the N at the end for example? Thinking differently, in fact, allowed us to open our mind, reaching new limits.

"Norden is a name used to identify the beautiful Nordic and Scandinavian countries — Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland. These incredible lands, with northern Canada and Alaska, are linked to the concepts of adventure and STOL operations. It is no secret that true bush flying was invented in the genuine Northern Territories.” Great distances and remoteness helped Pasquale find a name that could both inspire great "adventures" and "long trips."

Describing Norden

This refined backcountry aircraft is 23 feet long with a wing span of just under 30 feet. Norden's basic empty weight is a fairly light (for this type and among many LSA) of 793 pounds. The new model will be available as a LSA in the USA and other Countries and fit the new European Ultralight 600-kilogram class.

Zlin is represented in the America by SportairUSA, based in Arkansas under the direction of Bill Canino.

Norden features a completely new and bigger fuselage, with new shapes for the vertical stabilizer and rudder plus the vertical now has ribs to increase efficiency and stability. The newest Zlin has a completely new metal wing with traditional spars and more advanced airfoil, equipped with an electrically-retractable slat system and manual double slotted flaps to ensure excellent performances both in cruise speed and landing. New wing tips were designed to help the aileron's efficency at low speed and to increase aerodynamic efficiency at cruise or top speed. Slats and the low landing speeds ensured by the large double slotted flaps — that create enough pitch moment to increase the forward visibility — enhance the safety factor for the pilots during STOL operations.

Zlin Historical Collage: (top left, clockwise) — Agilis (note pilot's legs outside cockpit); UltraShock (Shock Cub in Europe); fully-open Bobber; original U.S. Savage; Savage in flight.

Norden's wing struts were redesigned with stronger and separate attachments to the fuselage. Fuel tanks will be available in three volumes: 26, 37, and 47 gallons ensure an extended range for longer trips, aided by new fuel indicator system. The trim system has been modified, increasing the total vertical travel of the yoke and allowing more trim range to the elevator to compensate a larger spectrum of speeds. A very large optional cargo area, built using carbon, has an external access door. This can be extended further, allowing one pilot to sleep inside the plane. Norden boasts a completely revised cabin layout assuring easier access for both occupants using a larger door as well as greater distance between the two seats. The adjustable carbon seats are matched with premium leather available in 18 different colors. Seat belts can be ordered using different colors to match.

One of the pleasures of visiting Aero has long been visiting Zlin's always-distinctive display design. The company has great artistic influence and I always head to their space at Aero to see how they decorated this year. It's always memorable.

New rudder pedals will ensure better control on the ground. Larger ailerons are now controlled by push-pull tubes inside the wings, giving a more precise feedback to the pilots. Flaps are now controlled by a torsional tube and push-pull rods.

Norden's windshield is now more angled to reduce the amount of drag at higher cruising speeds. A refreshed instrument panel can be ordered with a choice of 20 aeronautical paint colors or a full carbon look, or even an alcantara/leather combination (alcantara is a synthetic textile material that is soft and suede-like). "Our new optional dual-caliper brake system is more than enough to handle full power coming from a Rotax 915," said Pasquale. "The main landing gear is now extended three inches (in standard gear format) and has a different design. It has also been moved more forward, allowing pilots to brake even harder, when necessary."

He also reported, "The standard tailwheel can now be upgraded to T3 tailwheel suspension system or even Acme Stinger. The standard bungee system can be upgraded with a custom made shock absorber system produced by one our dealers, or even with a more professional Acme Shock Pro Series system, designed for tough operations." Norden's new cowling design is sleeker and streamlined, taking in mind the faster cruise speed planned for this plane, but is big enough to offer plenty of space for engine installation thanks to a new rounded bowl and firewall area, providing a refreshed look to the front of the airplane. The base engine for this plane will be the 100 horsepower Rotax 912 with other choices from Rotax plus the Edge Performance EPeX300Ti providing 300 horsepower for the experimental market.

While Pasquale and Zlin were hoping to debut Norden at Aero Friedrichshafen, at least you can read about it here. Zlin is represented in the USA by SportairUSA; contact them for more details, pricing, and availability.

Had not both shows been cancelled or postponed, I would be gearing up for Sun ‘n Fun and Aero Friedrichshafen. The important spring events were due to start in less than a week. Now, Aero is put off until 2021 and Sun ‘n Fun is about three weeks away from a Lakeland city-imposed final decision date (on April 17) regarding the new planned date of May 5-10, 2020. (I’m keeping my hopes up that our friends at that event will be able to launch their spring celebration of flight.) To help all of us through the next few weeks, I will be posting virtual airshow material — that is, I’ll write about aircraft you would have seen had you been able to attend the show. Companies work very hard to get new products ready for these big spring events. To not lose momentum as governments around the world impose all manner of rules, I’ll take the shows online… hence, “Virtual.” Why “Norden?” “The plane is just the sum of my experience in this sector,” wrote Zlin Aviation developer Pasquale Russo.

The Shockingly-Super Cub — Meet Shock Ultra from Zlin and SportairUSA

By Dan Johnson || October 2, 2019 1 Comment

Along with a growing number of other brands, Just Aircraft offered the Titan X340 on their SuperSTOL.

Indeed, between CubCrafters and American Legend, we have two manufacturers pumping out their version of Piper's venerable Cub. Nothing wrong with that. Indeed CubCrafters lead the parade with their carbon-accented model (to save weight) powered by the awesome 180-horsepower Titan engine. Along the way, Just Aircraft invented their SuperSTOL, based not on Cub but on their earlier Highlander. It has drawn many admiring glances and sold a number of kits (Just chose not to pursue SLSA approval for this model though their Highlander did qualify). Then we have Rans and their also-popular S-21 Outbound, a evolution of the company's S-7 Courier and S-20 Raven. While not a true Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft like SuperSTOL and while more modern than the Cub clones from CubCrafters and American Legend, S-21 has much to set it apart, notably side-by-side seating that many prefer, at least when flying dual.

Referring to these flying machines is a way of showing the keen interest many pilots have in airplanes that somewhat resemble Piper's 1940s-era Cub series. Into this enthusiasts' heaven comes Shock Ultra, with its Rotax powerplants. (An even more powerful 915 model not yet available in America is flying in Europe.) For more on Shock Ultra, go to SportairUSA's nicely designed page for this model, packed with additional info and more videos. Also see our earlier article when Shock Ultra was announced at German's Aero show.

A Savage Response

Savage is not a term of anger but a reference to a series of models, of which Shock Ultra is the latest derivative. Let's look at this newest entry more closely.

Shock Ultra has some features not found on all Zlin's other models, including double slotted Fowler flaps that help lower stall speed to almost absurdly-slow levels (for proof with your own eyes, see our video below). In addition, Shock Ultra has leading edge wing slats though these, like the "Shock options" for the Titan-powered Shock Outback, are optional. The newest variation of this design uses the oversized outboard shock absorbers similar to those first seen on SuperSTOL and then Shock Outback. They are "to tame the landings," said SportairUSA. All these design qualities combine to provide good visibility on approach thanks to a "flattened landing flare." Indeed, this all works, resulting in a "stall speed of 18 mph (solo) and 24 mph (dual)." Note that's miles an hour, not knots (15.6 and 20.8 knots respectively). It felt rather amazing to witness an airspeed indicator bumping down toward zero while we flew near gross weight.

Those low speeds are aided by a basic empty weight of 725 pounds. This is more than 100 pounds lighter than some Cub clones from CubCrafters and American Legend. As many experienced light aircraft pilots believe, the lighter the airframe the better it performs and handles and the more payload you can carry onboard. Another proof of Zlin designer Pascale Russo's diligent effort to reduce weight and simplify is that Shock Ultra performs admirably with the Rotax 912 or 914, while the heavier competing models appear to require bigger engines, which add more weight, burn more fuel, and cost more. Shock Ultra is not the lowest-priced model SportairUSA offers, though it is less than the Titan-powered Shock Outback. However, if its final figure — call SportairUSA for an exact quote — is still too high for your budget, don't despair. The Little Rock, Arkansas company offers Savage models that carry much more affordable prices, albeit with less spectacular performance.

Cub-like models from Zlin include the very affordable Savage. Some models might be had brand new for less than $70,000 but please check with the company for details as these figures change with currency fluctuations and equipment installed. If that still sounds like too much, SportairUSA is one of those Premium/Concierge resellers of quality used aircraft. As but one example, the company displayed a looks-like-new TL Sting (which they formerly represented as importer) for $65,000. Given the company has thoroughly gone over the aircraft — and knows the model intimately — this represents a wonderful bargain. What boxes does Shock Ultra tick? Here's how SportairUSA describes the bush plane's attributes in brief, bullet-list form:

Short takeoffs. There’s not much runway where we’re going.
Quick climbout. To clear surrounding terrain.
Short landings. The shorter the better.
Tame landings. Good control with minimal touchdown rebound.
Safe slow flight. Low stall speed, spin resistance.
Easy to fly. Responsive controls & ergonomic design.
Simple, strong construction, repairable in the field.

Check out Shock Ultra more fully in this video that precedes our full-length Video Pilot Report to follow later.

https://youtu.be/4ZlrarTv8J8

Sustained interest in Cub-types has long amazed many of us. About the only airplane that routinely seems to inspire even more passion may be the North American P-51 Mustang. Since almost none of us can afford our own WWII fighter, Cub-a-likes may be the leading light aircraft type that pilots hope to own. Indeed, between CubCrafters and American Legend, we have two manufacturers pumping out their version of Piper’s venerable Cub. Nothing wrong with that. Indeed CubCrafters lead the parade with their carbon-accented model (to save weight) powered by the awesome 180-horsepower Titan engine. Along the way, Just Aircraft invented their SuperSTOL, based not on Cub but on their earlier Highlander. It has drawn many admiring glances and sold a number of kits (Just chose not to pursue SLSA approval for this model though their Highlander did qualify). Then we have Rans and their also-popular S-21 Outbound, a evolution of the company’s S-7 Courier and S-20 Raven.

Aero Friedrichshafen Day 1 Aircraft Highlights: Zlin Ultra 915, Flight Design F-Series, Belmont

By Dan Johnson || April 10, 2019 5 Comments

Jetting straight from Sun 'n Fun, we were able to arrive at Aero Friedrichshafen by noon on opening day. A quick swing around the most light-aircraft-filled halls (the "B" halls) brought some fresh surprises. Following are a few designs that caught my eye on an initial pass. The profusion of light aircraft we don't see in the USA — some of which will never reach the market — is one of the main reasons Aero Friedrichshafen is my favorite show in Europe. This mostly indoor fair (as Europeans call such shows) always has many ideas of interest. Zlin Ultra with Rotax 915iS — Never one to rest Pascale Russo reintroduced his Ultra Shock from last Aero with the more powerful Rotax 915iS. Ultra Shock plays on the term "ultralight," which means something different in Europe than in the USA (it is a reference to light aircraft quite similar to Light-Sport Aircraft). The use of the term implied a lighter, leaner version of the Shock Cub — renamed Outback Shock in the USA because "Cub" is owned by CubCrafters. Potency is has been increased in the revised Ultra Shock by using the newest and most powerful engine from Rotax, the Austrian company's 915iS. Delivering 135-140 horsepower, the lightened Ultra Shock has become nearly as awesome as the 180 horsepower Titan-powered Shock Cub/Outback Shock. The two likely perform very similarly because the Rotax powerplant is lighter than the Titan even before considering airframe lightening.

Seated inside the F2 from Flight Design. photo by Randee Laskewitz

Flight Design All-New F-Series — You may feel you have not have seen as much of Flight Design since their reorganization but they've assembled an impressive team to make a new family of models titled F2–F2e–F4. Briefly, F2 is a larger, significantly changed follow-on to their CT-series that has sold so well around the world. That series will continue along with entries like CT Super, the "entry-level" model. CTLSi will be in the middle with F2 representing the top-of-the-line A new team of engineering, manufacturing, and flight personnel have dedicated themselves to this and other projects under the corporate umbrella of Lift Air. F2 has many changes, among them losing the stubby appearance (to some eyes) of the CT series. It also addresses the older population that buys new LSA, with doors that are at once wider, taller, and lower, easing entry even more; it was always a turn-around-and-sit proposition. Another literally large change is cabin size. F2 has a voluminous area aft of the two seats; you can carry a lot of payload in this aircraft, weight and balance considered. However, in mentioning this cabin volume, I can segue to F4, the company's planned four-seater project. This is not to replace the company's earlier C4 four seater based on the CT series. The middle number F2e is a reference to an electric propulsion model to follow but reviewed at Aero 2019. Belmont Aero DW200 — With its distinctive canopy slid forward as seen in the nearby photo, this design may not look obviously like its design heritage, but close that canopy and you can easily see the similarity to SportCruiser. That design, first brought to market by the former Czech Aircraft Works, founded by longtime entrepreneur Chip Erwin, has spawned other variations including the current company, Czech Sport Aircraft, that once labeled the model as PiperSport. Another is the very successful Bristell aircraft from BRM Aero although this entry has highly refined many aspects of the design because its creator, Milan Bristela, was associated with the airframe since the very beginning; he and I first met back in 2003 when he was employed at Czech Aircraft Works. As does Bristell, Belmont is available in a retractable version, which is permitted by European regulations. Belmont is using a variety of equipment suppliers. Rotax is the preferred engine but the company also offers the UL Power 350is. The Latvian business, with production in the Czech Republic, offers a wide variety of propellers and other equipment for purchase consideration. Beringer Everywhere — It seems anywhere you look you see Beringer's signature orange finish to their beautiful hardware. That was true at Sun 'n Fun last week and it is even more common this week at Aero Friedrichshafen. The French company is enjoying a strong acceptance for their high quality products. While their wheels and brakes comprise the main thrust Beringer has made into aviation, they also produce a tailwheel option and now a unique shock absorber offering seen nearby fitted to a weight shift trike. From their days in performance equipment for ground-based vehicles, Beringer moved strongly into aviation products and they have done so well — received warmly by many airframe producers — that a couple years ago, they left the auto business and are now focused entirely on aviation. They established a strong U.S. presence and have a base in Greenville, South Carolina (864-214-4274).

Jetting straight from Sun ‘n Fun, we were able to arrive at Aero Friedrichshafen by noon on opening day. A quick swing around the most light-aircraft-filled halls (the “B” halls) brought some fresh surprises. Following are a few designs that caught my eye on an initial pass. The profusion of light aircraft we don’t see in the USA — some of which will never reach the market — is one of the main reasons Aero Friedrichshafen is my favorite show in Europe. This mostly indoor fair (as Europeans call such shows) always has many ideas of interest. Zlin Ultra with Rotax 915iS — Never one to rest Pascale Russo reintroduced his Ultra Shock from last Aero with the more powerful Rotax 915iS. Ultra Shock plays on the term “ultralight,” which means something different in Europe than in the USA (it is a reference to light aircraft quite similar to Light-Sport Aircraft).