Aeroprakt A-20 Vista
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Ukraine |
| Products | Ultralight aircraft, including the A-20 Vista series |
The Aeroprakt A-20 Vista series represents a line of Ukrainian-built, tandem two-seat ultralight aircraft featuring a high-wing layout supported by struts, a pusher engine configuration, and conventional landing gear. Manufactured by Aeroprakt, the A-20 made its debut in the North American market during the 1999 AirVenture event.[1] [2]
Design and development
Development of the A-20 commenced in 1990, culminating in the prototype’s initial flight on 5 August 1991. The first production model followed with its maiden flight on 15 August 1993.[3] The aircraft’s structure combines a fiberglass cockpit and forward fuselage with aluminum wings and tail surfaces that are covered in doped fabric. Its wings incorporate half-span ailerons along with flaps that significantly reduce landing speed to approximately 30 mph (48 km/h). Certain variants offer flaperons as an option. The main landing gear utilizes steel spring legs characteristic of conventional gear configurations.[1][2]
Initially, the A-20 was designed to operate with the 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 two-stroke engine. Thanks to its streamlined airframe, it achieves satisfactory performance even with this modest powerplant. Additional engine choices include the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 and the more powerful 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS.[1][4]
Operational history
In 2002, an A-20 aircraft secured victory at the European Microlight Championship.
Variants
- A-20 Vista
- The original model powered by a 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine.[1][2][4]
- A-20 Vista STOL
- A STOL variant equipped with a 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 engine and fitted with standard slotted flaperons.[4]
- A-20 Vista SS
- This version features a shortened wing span of 33.4 ft (10.2 m) for enhanced cruise speed and is powered by a 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 engine.[4]
- A-20 Cruiser
- Designed for higher cruising speeds, it has a reduced wing span of 33.4 ft (10.2 m) and uses a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS engine.[1][4]
- A-20 Cruiser-S
- Featuring a shorter wing span of 31.0 ft (9.4 m), this faster cruise model incorporates a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS engine along with standard slotted flaperons.[4]
- A-26 Vulcan
- A significantly altered twin-engine pusher configuration.
- A-30 Vista Speedster
- A high-performance evolution derived from the A-20 design.[5]
Specifications (A-20)
References
Notes
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Bibliography
- Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.
- Simpson, Rod; Longley, Pete; Swan, Robert (2022). The General Aviation Handbook: A Guide to Millennial General Aviation Manufacturers and their Aircraft. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Trading) Limited. ISBN 978-0-85130-562-2.
External links
