Kraków 2020-08-19
Aeroprakt A-22
History
Aeroprakt A-22 is an ultra-light plane in a duralumin high-wing brace system, with a fixed, sprung undercarriage with front support. The plane is powered by the well-known and good Rotax 912 engine, which, depending on the version, has a power of 80-100 HP.
The Rotax 912 is a flat, naturally aspirated, air and water cooled four cylinder, horizontal 4-stroke engine with a reduction gear, commonly used in aircraft, light sport aircraft, ultralight aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. By 2014, 50,000 of these engines had been built. The engine drives a three-blade propeller that gives so much thrust that we feel strongly pressed into the seat during take-off. After 100-120 meters, the plane is already in the air. The A-22 plane with the Rotax 912 engine burns 10 liters per 100 km.
The side door of the Aeroprakt A-22 aircraft is one large, convex window that gives a fantastic field of view. That is why the plane is used, for example, by the police to observe traffic.
The aircraft was designed by Juri Jakovlev at the Aeroprakt plant in Ukraine. The first prototype flew in October 1996. In 2015, the plane was certified in the USA as Special Light Sport Aircraft, and in 2005 – German. In 2011, the plane cost $ 80,000. So far, around 560 of the ultra-light version and around 300 of the 600 kg version of the LS have been sold. There are about 30 copies in Poland (Data from 2017).
The A-22 is produced in two basic versions: The first UL (MTOM 472.5 kg) with the designation A-22 and in subsequent development versions A-22L and A-22L2. The second LSA (MTOM 600 kg) with the designation A-22LS. The basic version of the A-22 costs 47,600 euros. On the secondary market, the plane from 2010 costs PLN 220,000, and the plane from 2019 – PLN 320,000.
The A-22 L2 aeropractor is considered one of the safest aircraft in its class. In flight, it is characterized by stability, predictability, easy control and no tendency to enter into corkscrews. In the event of an engine failure, the plane can travel up to 10 km with a sailplane flight, which gives the pilot a lot of time to find a suitable place for an emergency landing, or even reach the airport. A landing run of 90-105 m allows you to land on practically any landing site. In addition, the landing gear of the aircraft exhibits significant tolerance to uneven terrain and tall grass, allowing you to land safely in unimpeded terrain.
This plane is popular in training centers in Poland and Germany and is bought by many associations due to its properties and durable construction.
In 2017, a new model, designated A-32, was tested and tested in Germany.
In 2004, the Aeroprakt A-22 aircraft assembly plant was launched in Poland. Initially, there was the A-22, then the A-22L, then the A-22L2. About 100 aircraft were assembled. The assembly is located in Zator near Skawina. The plant in Zator is a representative office for Poland, German-speaking and Baltic countries.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman
Kraków 2020-08-19
Aeroprakt A-22
Construction
Aeroprakt A-22 is an ultra-light plane in a brace high-wing structure, duralumin structure (all-metal), with a fixed, sprung undercarriage with front support. The plane is powered by the well-known and good Rotax 912 engine, which, depending on the version, has a power of 80-100 HP.
Wings.
Simple leaves, rectangular in shape, with a thick profile and rounded tips. The wings were mounted with a slight forward slant (2.2 degrees). The wings are supported by a brace.
Fuselage.
Classic metal fuselage, 6.23 m long. In the front of the fuselage there is an engine equipped with a three-blade propeller. The engine is covered with a typical metal hood. A two-seater cabin is located behind the firewall. The places are next to each other. The cabin is equipped with two control systems. The cabin is richly glazed. The tail boom is relatively narrow.
Tail.
Classic tail. Vertical with a slight, positive slant, divided into the rudder and fin. Horizontal control with a rectangular contour. The elevator is equipped with a balancing flap.
Chassis.
The chassis is three-support with a steered front wheel. The base of the chassis is 1.26 m. The spacing of the main chassis is 1.71 m.
Engine.
The Rotax 912 is a flat, naturally aspirated, air and water cooled four cylinder, horizontal 4-stroke engine with a reduction gear, commonly used in aircraft, light sport aircraft, ultralight aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. By 2014, 50,000 of these engines had been built. The engine drives a three-blade propeller that gives so much thrust that we feel strongly pressed into the seat during take-off. After 100-120 meters, the plane is already in the air. The A-22 plane with the Rotax 912 engine burns 10 liters per 100 km.
Parachute rescue system.
Our planes are equipped with BRS as standard. Besides, in Germany, a parachute is a must-have. In 2017, there were two incidents where it was necessary to use a rescue parachute. One of them happened in the St. Petersburg area, where the plane was in conditions it should not fly in, because it was very humid and very cold. The plane quickly iced with a thick layer of ice and after a while it ceased to be controllable. Then his pilot pulled the parachute and landed in the forest. The plane was destroyed, but the pilot survived.
Basic technical data of the Aeroprakt A-22 L2.
Aeropract A-22 L2 – Data: span 9.55 m, length 6.16 m, height 2.46 m, curb weight 270 kg, take-off weight 450 kg, maximum speed 180 km / h, cruising speed 140-150 km / h, minimum speed 60 km / h, touchdown speed 50 km / h, climb speed 5 m / s, range up to 1,000 km, take-up 120 m, roll-out 90 m.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman
Kraków 2020-08-19
Aeroprakt A-22
Tally
By 2018, approximately 560 ultra-light versions and approximately 300 LS 600 kg versions were sold. There are about 30 copies in Poland.
The Krakow Aero Club has the Aeroprakt A22 L2 Foxbat aircraft in stock, registered SP-SZAK, which has been in use since 2015.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman