Two years ago at my favorite European airshow, Aero Friedrichshafen, Bill Canino of Sportair USA urged me to go look at a cool Part 103 project. With a general appearance resembling a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair military fighter, designer Jörg Hollmann‘s ultralight Corsair is reasonably authentic including its highly distinctive inverted gull wing design.
Two years ago when I saw the bare bones example — exhibited for this small shop design and manufacturing organization in BP Oil’s display stand — it was easy to get excited by the concept but less obvious to imagine how it might eventually look. At Aero 2018 the visual mystery was solved. Anyone who has admired F4U Corsair’s angular wings will be drawn to ultralight Corsair.
Even the engine mimics the original’s Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp, except at ultralight weights and power. Jörg chose a three-cylinder Verner radial to power his diminutive aircraft. The whole package was fascinating to those of us who enjoy single seat designs.
The truly good news for Yankees who might want to own such a creation is that Sportair USA boss Bill has placed an initial order. For a tiny company, such a launch customer greatly increases the likelihood that this unqiue entry will makes it way into American skies. Of course, Europeans also recognize both the F4U resemblance and the coolness of this design effort.
While fabric covered (also for lightness), Jörg refers to his internal carbon fiber tube structure as “a unique carbon-spaceframe technology.” He added, “This property right-protected technology combines high strength with an unequaled low weight.”
Seeking a very low weight is partly a maneuver to steer clear of tough certification rules via the Part 103 / 120-Kilo Class / SSDR unregulations.
A light design permits Jörg’s design objectives. “Due to the light weight of the structure we were able to include all the ingredients for a high performance aircraft: outstanding aerodynamics, a strong engine with a big, efficient propeller, a short and aerodynamic landing gear, as well as effective flaperons.”
The carbon-spaceframe is effective, resulting in a calculated +9 and –6g ultimate load strength. “Furthermore,” Jörg said, “the complete cockpit area is constructed as a Kevlar-reinforced safety cell.” A ballistic parachute will further enhance safety.
In our article from 2016 we unveiled Corsair in bare carbon fiber bones. That article also repeated Jörg’s prediction that it would fly before Aero 2017. That didn’t happen, however, Jörg said it is now ready for flight. “Corsair would have flown before Aero 2018 but a lack of ideal weather prevented that. We prefer calm winds and clear weather for a first flight in such a light aircraft,” he explained. Because weather at Aero 2018 was warm and sunny, he hopes to get airborne in short order.
Not only can Corsair meet USA’s Part 103, it also can qualify for Germany’s 120-kilo class and Britain’s Single Seat DeRegulated (SSDR) class (article). Jörg explained, “Corsair currently fulfills the British SSDR regulation. An adapted version will comply to FAR Part 103.”
Although Corsair has ultralight proportions, it is versatile about pilots it can contain. “The ergonomics have been optimized with the help of our local flying club,” indicated Jörg. “It is suitable for pilots ranging from 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 8 inches (1.60-2 meters).” The inner cockpit is 23.6 inches wide (60 cm).
Corsair’s seat is adjustable in four length/height positions. The seat back incline is independently adjustable in 11 positions. Rudder pedals are also adjustable and even the joystick offers two positions.
Corsair Specifications
Following are specifications of Corsair for both Part 103 and EU deliveries, as reported by JH Aircraft:
- Wing Span — 24.6 feet / 7.5 meters
- Wing Area — 108 square feet / 10 square meters
- Length — 20.7 feet / 6.3 meters
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) — 551 pounds / 250 kg
- Empty Weight — 243 t0 265 pounds / 110 to 120 kilograms (depending on national regulation)
- Useful Load — 287 pounds / 130 kilograms
- Powerplant — Verner Scarlett 3 VW radial engine
- Power Output — 42 brake horsepower at 2500 rpm
- Cockpit Width — 23.6 inches / 60 centimeters
- Stall Speed — 24 knots (U.S.) / 55 kilometers per hour (EU)
- Cruise Speed — 54 knots (U.S.) / 168 km/hr (about 104 mph)
- Max Cruise Speed: 104 mph / 168 km/hr
- Maximum Speed — more than 124 mph / 200 km/hr
- Rate of Climb — 1,000 feet per minute / 4 meters per second
For more information, contact JH Aircraft or in the USA, go to Sportair USA.
I doubt this would qualify for USA Part 103 with that Engine. To Slick of an Airframe, if it cruises at 54 knots, Part 103 says Full Power Speed is 55 knots.
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) — 551 pounds / 250 kg needs 33.5 horsepower!
Empty Weight — 243 to 265 pounds / 110 to 120 kilograms (depending on national regulation). You would want electric start, which might push it over Part 103’s 254 pounds with that engine. A Honda/Clone Single built for 35-36 horsepower would be a better choice.
Useful Load — 287 pounds / 130 kilograms
Powerplant — Verner Scarlett 3 VW radial engine
Weight (no starter) – 73 pounds
Weight (with starter) – 81 pounds
42 BHP @ 2500 RPM maximum power
34 BHP @ 2200 RPM continuous power
Stall Speed — 24 knots (U.S.) / 55 kilometers per hour (EU)
Cruise Speed — 54 knots (U.S.) / 168 km/hr (about 104 mph)
Max Cruise Speed: 104 mph / 168 km/hr
Maximum Speed — more than 124 mph / 200 km/hr
Is there any way to manufacture in America?
No doubt the overzealous bureaucrats in charge of ultralight flying in the UK will do their damnedest to thwart the introduction of the Corsair into the system without extra regulations added to the burdensome ones already in operation. The spirit of encouragement as defined by the American Part 103 is totally lost on them.
If your willing to pay the consequences you can do and have anything you want. To heck with the regs… I want one. Lol
We don’t need an Ultralight; we need Light Sport! Yeah, bring it on, though I wouldn’t be able to afford one in this life time!
Ultralights are the way to go, no regulations.
Well, almost no regulation — Part 103 can be written on the front and back of a single page of paper! — however, not “no regulation.”
How about, “Just enough regulation to define the category?”
Not sure how to feel about this beautiful concept, but I do agree that arriving in one of these at a major airshow would be the King of Dead Grass! (Only airshow fans know what that means.)
A real shame it has to cost so much, and I can’t imagine the price could ever be brought down to any reasonable level for “Ultralight” purposes. And I can’t see the FAA OKing an UL that cruises at 102. So it’s only choice is to be EAB.
Definitely a cool aircraft though!
Hi Rich: Definitely cool, indeed! Carbon fiber is not a way to make a cheap ultralight. While it will not qualify under Part 103 here (too speedy) it may qualify for Germany’s 120-kilogram class or Britain SSDR class. Yeah, we Yankees will have to build it, although the coming expansion of Builder Assist Centers may help the effort.
I would definitely be interested in a dealership for this U/L.
Hi Paul: By all means, then, you should contact Sportair USA boss Bill Canino.
Thanks Dan I spoke with Bill today appreciate it
What would be a cost for a Shock Cub or similar?
Get information on pricing directly from the source: Sportair USA.
How much does it cost?
Hi Trigger: Please check with Sportair USA for the price they anticipate.
$75,000 base price.
Hi Brent: Yes, it is arguably the most expensive Part 103 aircraft on the market, but using lots of expensive carbon fiber and producing in low volumes conspire to push up the price. However, if you arrived in one, it would certainly turn a lot of heads at the airport.
It probably will not meet 103 looking at the cruise speeds. It could possibly make it if built very carefully and light and fitted with the right prop to not exceed speed.
Sweet bird; never heard of a vw radial.
The Verner 3 cylinder radial is a real engine. A local guy in East Texas has a couple of Legal Eagles that use the little radial.
When will this be available in U.S.?
Hi Hollis: Check with Sportair USA. They will have the best idea when Corsair will arrive.
Nice, we need more true ultralights. Bring It!