Micro Aviation B22 Bantam

The Micro Aviation B22 Bantam is a New Zealand ultralight aircraft, designed and produced by Micro Aviation NZ of Hamilton, New Zealand and later of Mandeville, New Zealand. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1][2]

B22 Bantam
B22J Bantam
Role Ultralight aircraft
National origin New Zealand
Manufacturer Micro Aviation NZ
Status In production (2012)
Number built More than 300 (2011)

Design and development

The aircraft complies with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules as well as the United Kingdom BCAR Section "S" regulations. It features a strut-braced high-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]

The aircraft is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing, with its flying surfaces covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 9.03 m (29.6 ft) span wing has an area of 15.1 m2 (163 sq ft) and is supported by V-struts and jury struts. The engine is mounted above the cockpit on the forward end of the main keel tube. Standard engines available are the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-stroke and the 85 hp (63 kW) Jabiru 2200 four-stroke powerplant.[1][2]

Operational history

Two Bantams are in use by park rangers in Kruger National Park in South Africa.[3][4] Total production has exceeded 300 aircraft.[1][2]

The World Directory of Leisure Aviation reviewed the Bantam and described it as "a simple practical aircraft characterized by its agility, vice-free handling and ease of maintenance."[1][2]

Variants
B22J
Higher powered version[5]
B22S
Standard model[5]

Specifications (B22J Bantam)

Data from Bayerl & Tacke[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 9.03 m (29 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 15.1 m2 (163 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 215 kg (474 lb)
  • Gross weight: 430 kg (948 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 50 litres (11 imp gal; 13 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Jabiru 2200A four cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 60 kW (80 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 150 km/h (93 mph, 81 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 120 km/h (75 mph, 65 kn)
  • Stall speed: 55 km/h (34 mph, 30 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 3.4 m/s (670 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 28.5 kg/m2 (5.8 lb/sq ft)

References
  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 65. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 68. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. "AVIATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INSURANCES", Page 6, www.sanparks.org
  4. "KNP rangers will fly to stop the slaughter"
  5. "Products". Microaviation.co.nz. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
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