In an effort to lighten the aircraft and further develop the design, we have collaborated with a design firm "Structures Aero" and our composite suppler "Factory Ten" on an exciting project. The Lightning structures are already light and strong but the spar design was old and heavy. All aircraft to date have a traditional beam spar with uni-directional caps, sheer webs and cores. This is strong, but each spar weighs in at 38lbs.
After many months of design work, we are proud to announce our new All Carbon C-Channel spar. These new spars with continue to carry our gross weight up to 1850lbs for the XS. The spars are also much easier to manufacture. What this means to the builder/owner? These spars weigh 15lbs a side! that's over 40lbs Lighter! This is on the CG so no weight shift. All Kits and SLSA aircraft will be standard with these from now.
Jabiru Enignes both 3300 and 2200s in Stock at Jabiru PTY LTD ready to ship as of 11/21/24
Arion Aircraft Announces new All Carbon Fiber Spar 11/14/2019
Kit production slots now delivering March of 2024
Click here to go to the article or visit our Press Room for this and other articles about the Lightning
Nick reported a cruise speed of 165 kts TAS at 7,500' at 75% power (2500 rpm) on his trip to EAA Oshkosh 2024 this year. At this power setting he was burning 8.5 GPH. We think these are pretty good numbers!
To read Buz Rich's flight report of the Lightning XS N320XS the 160hp Demo from 2014 click here or go to the Press Room.