Ekolot
Topaz KR 030, Topaz KR030 lightsport aircraft unveiled
at the 2010 Midwest LSA Expo, Light Sport Aircraft Pilot News
newsmagazine.
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Light Sport Aircraft Pilot is a directory of aircraft that generally fit
into what are described as ultralight aircraft, advanced ultralight
aircraft,
light sport aircraft, experimental light sport aircraft, experimental
aircraft, amateur built aircraft, ELSA or homebuilt
aircraft in the United States and Canada. These include
weight shift aircraft, more commonly known as trikes,
powered parachutes, and powered para-gliders.
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Topaz KR030
lightsport aircraft unveiled at the 2010 Midwest LSA Expo
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NIU Group AD INC.
627 N. Annie Glidden Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115-2101
USA
Krzysztof Siuba
815-758-4691
www.niu-g.com
The Ekolot Topaz KR 030 was unveiled for the first time in
the United States at the 2010 Midwest LSA Expo. It arrived
from Poland on Tuesday the week of the show and was trucked
down and set for display two days later.
The plane is manufactured in Poland, and is one of three
different models the company produces, the JK 05 Junior
which has been seen at a few shows in the U.S., an single
place composite ultralight motor glider and now the Topaz KR
030. |
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The Ekolot factory like a lot
of aircraft manufacturers out of Poland has a great deal of
experience building all composite gliders. When you look at
the Topaz KR 030 you can see that experience in the way the
lines of the aircraft are so smooth and aerodynamic. The
plane uses a one piece or cantilevered wing which is
something I haven't seen any other light sport aircraft.
The plane on display at
the show hasn't been registered yet, but the paper work is
in the final stages for light sport aircraft certification.
The Topaz KR 030 features side by side seating, with a
center stick and dual throttles. It has a steerable nose
wheel, with a center mounted brake handle on the control
stick. Words cannot do justice to the finish of this
aircraft both inside and outside! It looks and feels like
the type of quality you would expect to find in a high end
European style automobile.
Found on the center
mounted joystick are controls for trim, flaps, and the radio
push to talk button. As you apply flaps or trim instruments
on the dash show you visibly their position. Just behind the
joystick is a nicely padded arm rest, which also doubles as
a storage area. The plane on display was set up with
analogue gauges but customers can order anything they want,
and the dash is set up to accommodate glass panels, or any
combination the customer might want.
The plane has a number
of safety features including a fuel shut off switch that
when in the closed position will not allow the pilot to
start the engine. Another safety feature is that you require
a key to enter the plane, remove or replace the gas cap, or
to start the plane. The two switches for checking your
ignition system during run up also have guards on them to
prevent the pilot from accidently shutting the engine off in
flight.
The plane comes standard
with cabin heat and has vents on the windows and dash for
ventilation. There are two storage compartments located just
behind and above the seats for storage of articles like an
overnight bag etc. There is also a netted baggage area
located on the inside of each door. The plane comes standard
with a ballistic parachute system, with the handle located
in the center rear section of the cabin, where either
occupant can reach in in case of an emergency.
The craft has a 1232 lbs
gross weight and is powered by a Rotax 912 80 HP engine,
which is an oddity in the light sport aircraft market with
most being powered by the Rotax 912 ULS 100 hp engine. There
are a couple of advantages to the Rotax 912 80 HP, it is a
little cheaper, can use regular unleaded automotive fuel
versus the premium unleaded required for the 912 ULS and it's
fuel burn is about half that of it's big brother.
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Topaz KR030
lightsport aircraft unveiled at the 2010 Midwest LSA Expo |
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