Coavio DF 2000

The DF 2000 was designed to provide a fast, robust, comfortable, low-cost side-by-side two-seat ultralight with a short take-off run. It has a conventional layout not unlike that of, for example, the Cessna 152, with a high wing, swept vertical tail and tricycle undercarriage.[1][2]

Structurally, it is mostly built from aluminium alloy, reinforced with TIG-welded 4130 steel tubing in the cockpit area. The wing has constant chord and is braced on each side by a single, broad streamlined strut from the bottom of the fuselage. The shallow, turned-up wing tips are formed from composites. Inboard flaps are fitted. The cockpit area, under the wings and fitted with dual controls, is accessed by upward-hinged doors with deep glazing. Aft, the fuselage becomes more slender, though the swept fin has a long fillet. The rudder has a trim tab and the low-set, parallel-chord tailplane carries a balanced elevator. The tricycle undercarriage has main wheels which are cantilever spring-mounted from the lower fuselage and a steerable nose wheel. All wheels are usually spatted.[1][2][3]

The DF 2000 family uses several engine/propeller combinations, mostly from the Rotax 912 series of 80 to 100 hp (60 to 75 kW) flat-4s but also the 85 hp (63 kW) Jabiru 2200 and 120 hp (89 kW) Jabiru 3300 powerplants.[2][1][3]

The DF 2000 first flew in about 2001 and went into production three years later. .[2]

54 DF 2000 series aircraft have been built up to 2021.

Details from the manufacturer.[4]

Spartan

Lightest DF 2000, 60 kW (80 hp) Rotax 912 UL engine, 2-blade wooden propeller. Mechanical trim control and flap actuation.

DF 2000 Light (or Base[2])

Standard version, as Spartan but painted and with oil pressure gauge.

DF 2000 Plus

75 kW (100 hp) Rotax 912 ULS engine, composite 3-bladed propeller with ground-adjustable pitch. Electrical elevator trim control and flap actuation, flap hinge fairing, partial cabin ventilation and additional instrumentation. Wheel spats and landing light.

DF 2000 Top

As Plus with a bigger oil cooler, radio and further instrumentation, upholstered seats and cabin panelling. Landing lights, radio and cockpit heater standard. Two-colour external paintwork. Flight-adjustable pitch propeller an option.

DA Evolution

de Luxe version with either 75 kW (100 hp) Rotax 912 ULS or 64 kW (86 hp) Jabiru 2200[2] engine. As Top, but with full cabin ventilation, improved seating and electrical aileron trim control. Improved external lighting. Three colour external paintwork and bigger spinner.

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010/11[2]

General characteristics

• Capacity: 2
• Length: 6.35 m (41 ft 8 in)
• Wingspan: 9.60 m (63 ft 0 in)
• Height: 2.40 m (15 ft 8.94 in)
• Wing area: 11.60 m² (124.86 sq ft) gross
• Empty weight: 285 kg (628 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 75L
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912 ULS 4-cylinder horizontally opposed liquid cooled piston, 75 kW (101 hp)
• Propellers: 3-bladed composite

Performance

• Maximum speed: 240 km/h (149 mph, 129 kn) in calm air
• Cruise speed: 195 km/h (121 mph, 105 kn) at 75% power
• Stall speed: 45 km/h (28 mph, 24 kn) with flaps extended
• Never exceed speed: 240 km/h (149 mph, 129 kn)
• Range: 680 km (420 mi, 367 nmi) at 195 km/h (with 30 mins of reserve)
• Endurance: 3.5 h (with 30 mins of reserve)
• g limits: +4/-2
• Maximum glide ratio: 12
• Rate of climb: 5.0 m/s (990 ft/min)
• Take-off distance: 100 m (330 ft)
• Landing distance: 80 m (265 ft)