Softeks V-24 Lastivka

Softeks V-24 Lastivka

Company type	Aircraft
Industry	Aerospace
Founded	2010s
Headquarters	Ukraine
Products	Utility aircraft

See also: Softex-Aero V-24

The Softeks V-24 Lastivka (Ластівка, meaning Swallow) is a Ukrainian four-seat utility aircraft featuring twin pusher engines, conceived and manufactured during the 2010s primarily for transport and survey missions. Its maiden flight occurred in late 2012.

Design and development

The Lastivka is engineered to perform diverse utility tasks, including fire monitoring, geological reconnaissance, cargo hauling, and passenger transport. It is a low-wing monoplane predominantly built from composite materials, with straight-tapered wings ending in winglets. The wings’ trailing edges are equipped with slotted ailerons and slotted flaps. Power is provided by two Rotax 912 ULS air-cooled flat-four engines producing 73.5 kW (99 hp) each, mounted in a pusher arrangement on pylons above the wings within short cowlings. These engines are positioned so their propeller discs are situated as near as possible to the fuselage. An alternative powerplant option includes the more powerful Rotax 914 engines rated at 84.5 kW (113 hp).

The aircraft’s nose and cabin windows feature smooth contours without a windscreen step, and access is granted via upward-opening doors located forward of the wing leading edge on both sides. Additional windows are placed behind the doors above the wing area. Depending on configuration, the baggage compartment offers up to 0.20 cubic meters of space. The upper fuselage gently slopes downward behind the cabin towards the T-tail assembly. The fin, integrated with the fuselage, has straight edges with a swept-back design and a rudder hinge that leans rearward. The rudder itself includes a swept trailing edge and incorporates a horn balance extending forward beneath the fuselage, blending into a small ventral fin. A compact electrically controlled rudder trim tab is installed low on the rudder. Positioned atop the fin is a rectangular tailplane with a high aspect ratio, which supports a similarly shaped one-piece elevator featuring a central trim tab.

The Lastivka employs a tricycle landing gear system where the main wheels retract inward; each main gear leg contains pneumatic shock absorbers and is fitted with hydraulic brakes on single wheels. The nosewheel retracts forward. This aircraft can be adapted for operation from snow or water surfaces through the use of skis or floats if necessary.

Its inaugural flight took place on 20 November 2012, with its first public exhibition occurring at the SP Korolyov Aviation Meeting held from 17 to 20 June 2010 at Smokovka Airport in Zhytomyr.