6 December 2022
Metal Seagulls, UK agent for Zenith Aircraft and ULPower engines, is launching its own range of light aircraft: Fafali Aircraft.
The Haverfordwest Airport based company said in a statement, “Fafali Aircraft are designed to meet the needs of the changing marketplace in light aviation, particularly in surveillance, training, humanitarian and recreational flying, and is designed around potential for modernisation / decarbonisation of the light aircraft fleet in years to come.
“The name Fafali means peace, serenity, reliability, and strength – all key aspects of the design concepts of the Fafali aircraft range. It is also the name of the youngest shareholder in Fafali Aircraft, who will be seven years old in January 2023.”
Image released by Fafali Aircraft
Two models are on the drawing boards. First is a 600kg, two-seater able to operate on propulsion solutions from 100 to 140hp, with a choice of fuel/energy solutions. It will be offered as a factory-built LSM (600kg microlight or LSA) aircraft. Cruise speed is expected to be in the 100 – 110kt range, with a stall speed of around 35kt. Launch pricing of the LSM models is expected to start from £99,000 (+VAT), ready to fly.
The second model is a 750kg VLA version to be launched with a range of 130hp – 200hp propulsion solutions including a hybrid model with the ability to recharge in flight. The VLA models are expected to have an extended range capability with around 6 hours airborne autonomy and will be offered in the UK as quick build aircraft under ‘build assist programmes’.
There’s even talk of four-seat CS23 hybrid and full electric models in the future.
Metal Seagulls is working with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David on a range of components including smart sensing, energy storage and powerplant integration.
The public debut of Fafali Aircraft is likely to be at the Popham Microlight Fair on 29-30 April 2023 where ‘teaser components’ will be on show. The first demonstration airframe will be unveiled at Aero Expo at Sywell Aerodrome 8-10 June 2023. First flights of the prototype aircraft are planned for Q4 2023 with production aircraft from Q1 2025.
