2 May 2024
A full-size replica of the 1930s Stampe SV4 aerobatic biplane rebuilt to meet microlight weight limits is coming to the UK – and may be at this weekend’s Microlight Trade Fair at Popham Airfield.
The SV4-RS is the original-sized replica of the legendary Stampe-Vertongen SV-4b from the 1930s, originally designed as a training aircraft for the Belgian and French Air Forces.
In 2007, Belgian company Ultralight Concept acquired the original plans of the SV-4b type and carried out the ambitious project of rebuilding it on a 1:1 scale as a 600kg microlight.
The aircraft is being brought to the UK by recently created Stampe Aircraft UK, the official UK and Ireland distributor based at Netherthorpe Airfield.
“We are currently working with the BMAA and CAA to gain the required approvals for the aircraft and we aim to have the first demonstrator in the UK in 2025,” said a statement from Stampe Aircraft UK.
To meet German Airworthiness Rules for Ultra-light Aircraft empty weight of the original SV-4b has been reduced from 560kg to 295kg, continued the statement, though the factory spec sheet says 315kg.
“Thanks to its complete structure produced with new materials and modern equipment, the SV4-RS has the external dimensions of its illustrious ancestor.
“Since 2016, when the Stampe SV4-RS first flew, around 100 aircraft have been sold.”
FAST FACTS*
Max speed 170km/h
Cruise speed 135 km/h
Rotax 912UL 80hp or 912 ULS 100hp
Max weight 600kg
Empty weight 315kg
Payload 235kg
Wingspan 8.4m
Load factors +4.7/-2.5 g
*According to spec sheet
