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AERO 2024: Around the show in 60 seconds

Whizz around the halls of Messe Friedrichshafen, home of the annual AERO General Aviation show, with the FLYER team.

This page will be regularly updated so check back!

Supported by Continental Aerospace Technologies and Cirrus Aircraft

18 April 2024

One word - fabulous! Junkers’ A50 Heritage model saw the aircraft’s Rotax 912iS replaced with a 124hp Verner Scarlett radial, and the cockpit changed from modern Garmin G3X to more traditional round gauges and even more lovely wood and leather finishing touches. The changes are in response to demand from customers. The aircraft is currently in development, but will be on sale next year priced at €295k.

Teak, leather, round instruments and an aluminium framed windscreen are details particular to the A50 Heritage.

Amid all the sensible electric aircraft is this Carbon Cub UL powered by a Rotax 916iS - yes, a 160hp microlight! Colour not to everyone's taste but Oratex fabric is one of many weight-saving measures to get under 600kg max take-off weight and achieve decent payload. Beautifully made titanium undercarriage is another — Carbon Cub UL powered by a Rotax 916iS - is a 160hp microlight! Pre-coloured Oratex fabric is one of many weight-saving measures to get under 600kg max take-off weight and achieve decent payload. Beautifully made titanium undercarriage is another. CubCrafters is actively seeking UK approval for the aircraft. Base price is $300k.

Interior of the thoroughly modern Carbon Cub UL

First time at AERO for a showing of all three of Aura Aero's light aircraft models. The tailwheel-equipped Integral-R, the nosewheel Integral-S and the electric Integral-E. Flight testing of the Integral-E is due to begin this summer, while the two conventional piston-powered types are in flight test and working towards EASA certification.

The B23 Energic prototype was flown to Friedrichshafen for this week’s AERO event from Sion, Switzerland where the electric propulsion system developer, H55, is based. H55 and Bristell expect EASA certification by early 2025 and will be supplying the first batch of production aircraft to a select group of flight schools and pilot training academies at an ‘advantageous’ price. The standard price is 400,000 euro, with a change of battery system required after 1,500 cycles costing 100,000 euro.

How about a full-size ME163 replica, powered by a Jet Cat P1000 turbine?! Weighing a lot less (240kg) than the original due to it's composite construction, it was built by Heinz-Dieter Sippel. Flight testing begins soon… we can't wait!

Arzeos 600 kg ultralight is a new design from Spanish manufacturer Arzeos Aircraft. Powered by a Rotax 912iS, the aircraft has retractable undercarriage and has removable wings and tailplane to allow road transport.

Dynon Avionics showed the new 12" version of their SkyView HDX. Deliveries should begin in May 2024.

The Dragonfly 120 from aviaircraft.com is available in 7 and 10.4m wingspan versions - the latter is a motorglider. Both have a max take-off weight of 250kg.

Chinese manufacturer Zongshen had their largets presence to date at AERO, with their range of engines for light aircraft. The company has been exporting them to Europe through a French distributor, however FLYER understands a UK distributor is in the pipeline. Three engines currently available have power outputs of 80hp, 100hp and a turbocharged 115hp engine.

Aero saw the European debut for Garmin's new slim panel-mount radios. The GTR 205 comms-only priced at $2,695 and GNC 215 nav/comm at $5,295. They’re designed for use in both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. Both radios have a height of 1.3in which is the same as previous generation SL30 and SL40 radios, enabling easier upgrades

Air Creation e-Pixel electric flexwing.

Replica of the 1933 DWL RWD-5bis - the aircraft had a 5,000km range and in May 1933 set an FAI World distance record flying 3,582km in a 20 hour flight (17 of those over the south Atlantic ocean) flying from Saint-Louis, Senegal to Maceio, Brazil. Stepping out of the aircraft wearing a suit and tie, apparently the Brazilian locals didn't believe that pilot Stanislaw Skarzynski had flown across the ocean when he first arrived! This outstanding replica was built by EAA Chapter 991 in Poland.

Aviosma FunFly SSDR low speed ultimate aerobatic aircraft. Described as a kit-built unlimited level aerobatic aeroplane with an operating envelope from 21 to 54 knots, there are two versions, the Sport and the Extreme, both with a 300kg maximum take-off weight, but using either 50hp or 135hp engines. The Sport kit costs €45, the Extreme €60k, and that’s with an engine. The brochure did stress that a full-face helmet is mandatory, but doesn’t come in the kit.

After a long wait… finally the UK can look forward to seeing the Ultralight Concept Stampe SV4-RS the British Microlight Aircraft Association is working with CM Aviation on its approval in the UK.

JMB Aircraft says it’s Phoenix motorglider is “a reasonably priced aircraft which can serve as a cross-country capable aircraft and as a glider which will satisfy most sailplane enthusiasts. The Phoenix has a range of over 900 miles and speeds exceeding 115 knots.” It's also available in a short 'sport wing' configuration.

AERO saw the european debut of the latest G7 Cirrus Aircraft SR20, SR22 and SR22T. This latest version has new Cirrus Perspective Touch+ screens from Garmin, along with two Garmin Touch controllers. Forward visibility has improved thanks to a glareshield that now sits lower. Additionally the key has been replaced by a push to start button, the side yoke has been updated and now has haptic stall warning incorporated. The fuel selector valve now sits under a flap, and although tanks can be changed manually, it automatically switches every five gallons.

SafeSky has collaborated with AVIONIX Engineering to create the AeroTracker. We hope to have one to test this summer.

Tecnam P2006T NG Sport unveiled at AERO — Tecnam unveiled the P2006T NG Sport at AERO.

Weird name, appealing idea: Urfin Juice ultra-light self-powered glider from Blanik

Close-up of the Verner seven-cylinder 122bhp radial engine fitted to the Junkers A50 Heritage

600kg Blackshape Prime Veloce has been fitted with the 141hp Rotax 915iS.

If a side-by-side two seat jet was what you were looking for at AERO, then look no further than the Swiss Jet Traveller. Powered by a PBS TJ-100 turbine, the aircraft is a privately developed project.

Beautiful Miles Hawk Major was restored in the UK, 20 years ago. It's been part of a German collection since 2014, so it was nice to see it on show at AERO.

German maker Funk and the Mark VI iteration of its FK9 two-seater, which fits into the 600kg light sport microlight category

Diamond Aircraft is pushing to get its electric eDA40 certified by EASA asap. Lufthansa has been evaluating the aircraft for its flight training school

Elixir is about to start ramping up production of its 100hp two-seater to meet booming demand from flight schools. Airbus has ordered eight!

Konner K1-S19 microlight helicopter is fitted with a hybrid power unit: a TK-250 turbine and a 100shp electric motor which engages should the main rotor slow down unexpectedly

Remember when Porsche made aero engines? This lovely Mooney PFM reminded us of that time in the 1980's when the Porsche PFM 3200 could be purchased in a small handful on GA aircraft. The engine made between 210 and 240hp depending on variant.

JMB Aircraft's speedy VL3 fitted with TurboTech turbine... and camo colour scheme!

TurboTech TP-R90 turbine fits neatly into the engine bay of this GoGetAir. The Jet A burning turbine is to be tested burning hydrogen later this year in a joint venture with giant French engine maker Safran — TurboTech TP-R90 turbine fits neatly into the engine bay of this GoGetAir. The Jet A turbine is to be tested burning hydrogen later this year in a joint venture with giant French engine maker Safran

You're guaranteed a good view in the Dingo SSDR…

China's Rhyen RX4HE is already burning hydrogen in a 2.0 litre turbocharged piston engine and is said to produce 120kW (about 160hp) using direct injection

Skyleader 400 is now available in the UK as a 600kg microlight with a hefty useful load of 280kg — Skyleader 400 is now available in the UK as a 600kg microlight with a hefty useful load of 280kg. There's a choice of engine: Continental O-200D or Rotax 912

Piper's new flagship, the M700 Fury. Yours for a mere $4.3m with a typical equipment fit

Who said the Swedes were serious people! This is the Blackwing BW650RG fitted with a 160hp Rotax 916iS. The retractable all-carbon fibre aircraft has a shorter wing than previous models and can cruise at 200kt. And it's a 600kg microlight! — You cannot be serious! This is the Blackwing BW650RG fitted with a 160hp Rotax 916iS. The retractable all-carbon fibre aircraft has a shorter wing than previous models and can cruise at 200kt. And it's a 600kg microlight!

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