Sparker from TL Ultralight

News

AERO 2025: 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 Cirrus and Continental Aerospace

10 April 2025

Groppo G70 Enduro — Groppo Aviazione revealed its two seat side-by-side bushplane, the Enduro. It's a tailwheel equipped version of the tricycle G70. This 600kg machine already has German ultralight approval, and is powered by a Rotax 912iS.

Wide, comfy cockpit of the Groppo G70 Enduro with carbon fibre seats.

Blackshape Prime Explorer — The Prime Xplorer was a surprise reveal from Blackshape Aircraft, whose nosewheel Prime and Gabriel aircraft have been familiar sights at previous shows. This tailwheel equipped version of the Prime is currently under development, and engine options will include the 160hp Rotax 916iS or 180hp CMD 19 Turbo, as well as the Rotax 912ULS. Pricing starts from around €280k, and Blackshape anticipates the first aircraft becoming available from Q1 2026.

Blackshape Prime Explorer cockpit — The cockpit of the Blackshape Prime Xplorer looks like a great place to be…

Aviosma Fun Fly Xtreme — WIth a gross weight of 350kg and a promised 380kg of thrust from it's 135hp engine, the Aviosma Fun Fly Xtreme is all about unlimited level aeros at speeds around 50mph!

Aviosma Fun Fly Xtreme — A kit-built aircraft, the Aviosma Fun Fly Xtreme has enormous control surfaces.

CAA's Ewan Watson, UK agent Peter Ronfell, and Jiří Tlustý, founder and CEO of TL Ultralight — The opening day of the show saw the UK agent for TL aircraft presented with CAA approval for the aircraft in the UK as a 600kg microlight. From left: CAA's Ewan Watson, UK agent Peter Ronfell, and Jiří Tlustý, founder and CEO of TL Ultralight.

TL Stream — The TL Stream is the latest exciting contender now approved as a UK 600kg microlight.

Sparker from TL Ultralight — More great news for UK 600kg microlight buyers, the Sparker from TL Ultralight will be seeking UK CAA approval under the British Microlight Aircraft Association.

TL Ultralight Sirius Back Country — The wraps were pulled off the TL Ultralight Sirius Back Country on AERO day one. This tailwheel development of the TL Sirius features tundra tyres, a Rotax 916iS and a customisable belly pod for carrying things like an electric scooter.

Continental CD-155 diesel engine in a Van's Aircraft RV-9A — Stunning installation of the Continental CD-155 diesel engine in a Van's Aircraft RV-9A. The work was carried out by Robin Coss aviation for owners Dennis Parker and Gordon Blamire. The pair claim performance figures of 1,400 feet per minute climb rate and 163ktas at 10,000 feet using 7.8 gallons per hour.

AlphaFrog — The AlphaFrog eG1 is a modern take on the Aviasud Sirocco, an ultralight which flew around the world 40 years ago, according to its German creators. Powered by a Geiger electric motor with folding propeller blades, the Frog is also designed to glide though no glide ratio is given

Dynamic WT9 916 — Seems like the Dynamic WT9 has been going forever but it's actually in its 7th generation with reinforced fuselage, bigger tail and electric flaps and trim. Oh, and it's available with the latest 160hp Rotax 916i engine.

Flight Design — Flight Design is back in business after the company was bought by a Chinese manufacturing group. The deal is expected to complete on 1 May but the German company, which makes its aircraft in the Czech Republic, is already back producing two aircraft a month.

Flight Design's new investor also owns ICON Aircraft and the A5 amphibian is on the stand, thought to be the first time the US manufacturer has exhibited in Europe.

Grouse 120 — A grouse is a 'ground dwelling bird' but this Grouse 120 single seater can at least fly. It has a max weight of 250kg, is powered by a 42hp four-stroke engine and has folding wings for ease of storage and transport

Kawasaki engines — Kawasaki is known for its sporty motorcycles but the Japanese company makes many things including ships. It's announced a family of aero engines starting with these two, one with 4 cylinders, the other with 6. Both are available naturally aspirated or with a turbocharger. The basic 'four' produces 117hp and weighs 75kg, while the turbocharged 'six' produces 375hp and weighs 127kg. Kawasaki is aiming for certification of both by 2030, and is already working on hydrogen fuelled versions with a target certification of 2025

Bristell XL8 Turbotech — Top priority for French turbine maker TurboTech is certification for its TP-R90 turbine. Helping it prove to EASA that the engine is safe and has redundancy are various light aircraft makers who have installed the 141hp TP-R90 including Bristell with its XL8 project, pictured above

Shark showed the latest from its shoal, the Shark 912iS, resplendent in bright yellow, one of a number of new colour schemes. Shark also showed its new mobile hangar and 'Steady Eddy', a Shark with turbulence cancelling tech

Share

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Share

Topics

AERO 2025 AERO Friedrichshafen microlights new aircraft

Recommended

Kenyon Hall Airfield in the area marked out for the logistics park. Image: Tritax

News

Penalty shoot-out for Kenyon Hall Airfield

News

Penguin causes helicopter crash

Kawasaki aero engines

News

Kawasaki targets GA with new high-power aero engines

Groppo G70 Enduro

News

AERO 2025: Around the show in 60 seconds

Old Sarum Airfield visual

News

Old Sarum Airfield wins controversial planning appeal

2
3

Enjoy 3 Free articles OR Join today to enjoy unlimited access to all content

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to all of these cookies.

Okay