The Brilliant A22L2 Foxbat (Microlight)
If you’re looking for a lightweight 450kg aircraft that’s easy to handle at low level, has breathtaking climb performance, yet is capable of cruising at 90+ knots, while carrying a good load – you’ve come to the right place!
A-22L2 is a non-aerobatic two seat aircraft designed for recreational flying and primary training in daytime VMC from grass or hard runways of around 250 metres in length or less.
It is a metal airframed high-wing strut-braced monoplane with side by side seating and extensive cockpit glazing. The fixed landing gear has hydraulic brakes and a steerable nosewheel linked to the rudder pedals. The standard power unit is a Rotax 912ULS driving a ground adjustable Kiev or DUC three blade prop or an Airmaster electrical VP propeller.
To achieve the 450kg category limits, the L2 has the same fabric covering on the wings as the previous microlight Sport model, but is fitted with the improved undercarriage as per the A22LS. The climb rate of the L2 is around 1200ft/min at MTOW and circa 1500ft/min solo. The VNE is 120 mph, (140 mph for the A22LS) but other limitations are primarily as per the A22LS.
VSTOL
So what? Simply – control and safety. Getting off and back on to the ground quickly, at a slow speed, means less wear & tear on the landing gear, and less potential damage to the propeller from stones and gravel. And less inertia to bring to a halt if the unthinkable happens on take-off or landing!
Superb Flight Handling
The flight handling is superbly balanced and safe. Stalling is a non-event, even without flap. There is no tendency at all to drop a wing and you can side-slip safely with or without flap. At slow speeds, the controls are light and effective – at higher speeds they firm-up and make cruising a more relaxed affair than in some sensitive ‘performance’ related aircraft.
Huge Cabin Area
It’s probably the biggest, airiest cabin in its class. This means that whether you’re learning, or flying with a friend, you’re not jammed shoulder to shoulder, the controls are easier to use, and room to move makes for greater safety all round.
Amazing Visibility
The visibility is, in the words of many owners, ‘almost scary’. The doors are glazed to the floor, the windscreen is massive. If you’re sight seeing, you can see straight down without banking. You can see everything on the ground for miles around. The seats are positioned correctly, so tall people do not get a sore neck having to duck down to see under the wing in flight and yet can easily see over the nose. Finally, you can fly with one or both doors removed.
It has a Metal Airframe
So? In two words, safety & durability. An all-metal airframe has good impact characteristics. Metal will bend and absorb forces before shattering, helping to protect occupants in the event of an accident. Unlike composite or wooden aircraft, metal is not susceptible to structural changes caused by UV radiation, high temperatures/humidity and other weather effects.
Easy Access
Last but not least, it’s easy to get into and out of! Fed up of contorting yourself to get over the control sticks? Or jamming your legs to get under the control yokes? Forget it in a Foxbat. The centre stick makes entry and exit as simple as getting into & out of bed! Even the optional control yokes are set high so you can just slide in under them.
Would you like to know more…
Please contact our friendly customer support team who will be more than happy to help you!