Flaps and Less (span); The F Model XairThe Xair is available in the standard model as flown and reported in the main article. I logged a few minutes in the F model as well and have a few separate observations.
Flying in the F model with the heavier 80-hp Jabiru 2200 engine up front, I sensed the weight quickly when airborne. However, ground break came noticeably quicker, the 15 extra horses evidently overpowering the weight increase.
I noticed that turns to the right took much less rudder application when doing Dutch rolls. Banking to the left was normal but banking to the right required almost no rudder, the effect of greater power (and P-factor).
The F model Xair felt a little tighter in the air, no doubt due to the smaller wing that made bumps more noticeable and sharper. A semisymmetrical-type airfoil surely added to the sensation, permitting the F model to slip through the air with less resistance.
Generally the F model felt slightly heavier on the controls, especially the rudder pedals, though response to input seemed not to suffer.
You can select the F option with any standard Xair for $1,200 additional. Stick with the 65-hp Rotax 582 or more powerful engine with this model.
Xair Sidebar
Published in Light Sport and Ultralight Flying
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