The X-Air is a conventional three axis control aircraft which conforms to the category of
Microlight / Ultralight Aircraft. By definition, an Ultralight Aircraft is a fixed wing aircraft,
with a maximum all up weight not exceeding 490 Kg, and not designed to carry more than
two people.
The advantage of the Ultralight category is that, as aircraft have to be built to lower weight
limits, and as they are generally non-aerobatic and fly at lower speeds than conventional
aircraft, the construction techniques used are simpler and less expensive than conventional
aircraft, they are also cheaper in capital cost, as well as operational and maintenance costs.
Ultralight aircraft are a practical choice for individual owners who fly as a hobby, or perhaps
farmers who will use their aircraft for checking on stock and water, as well as being used for
basic training for new student pilots.
The latest model X-AIR has been developed over a number of years and in excess of 500
aircraft have been exported all over the world including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, India,
South Korea, Canada, USA, Portugal, Great Britain, and Australia.
AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION
The X-AIR has a conventional three-axis aircraft layout, two seater side-by-side, with high
wing, and tractor configuration Engine in the front, it also has tricycle-landing gear. The
cockpit can be semi-open, or fully enclosed, with the optional lexan doors offering cold
weather protection and a panoramic view to pilot and passenger.
AIRCRAFT CONSTRUCTION
The X-AIR is constructed using a technique that has been refined over the past 12 years using
aluminum alloy tubing covered with Dacron sailcloth. This technique has many advantages
over other methods of construction, such as economy, lightweight, and easy replacement of
components by the user itself, making maintenance and repairs cheap and simple. Moreover,
the structure will deform under impact, absorbing energy, thus providing an excellent passive
safety factor.
CONTROLS
The X-AIR features full dual controls; its behavior in flight is very similar to a conventional
light aircraft, such as a Cessna 150 for instance. This makes the X-AIR an excellent machine
for basic flight training at minimal capital and running costs, which are very low when
compared to a conventional light aircraft. Both the pilot and the passenger have their own
control stick which is located between the legs, each person has a throttle control and the pilot
has toe operated brakes; aircraft used for training can also be fitted with an emergency brake
operated by the instructor. The control inputs in the X-Air are firm and very positive, the
aircraft will fly for extended period's hands off, and the aircraft is self-stabilizing in
turbulence. The X-Air also has a solid wooden floor in the cockpit.
AIRCRAFT DIMENSIONS and WEIGHTS
Length 5.70m
Wing span 9.80m
Max height 2.55m
Wheel track 1.60m
Wheel base 1.45m
Empty weight 503 * 230kg
Empty weight 582 * 237kg
Empty weight 618 * 242kg
A fully optioned aircraft with instruments, radio, doors, fuel etc.. Weighs in at
X-Air 503 251kg
X-Air 582 270kg
X-Air 618 279 kg
GENERAL CONFIGURATION
Two seater, side-by-side
Conventional 3 axis controls; Ailerons, elevator and rudder
Full dual controls
Front mounted puller engine
High wing, good protection
Tricycle landing gear, with hydraulic suspension
Steerable nose wheel, linked to rudder pedals
Toe operated differential drumbrakes
Enclosed cockpit, lexan windscreen
Enclosed fuselage
Elevator trim
ROTAX ENGINES
The X-AIR is available with three engines from Rotax-Bombardier of Austria, the Australian
produced Jabiru engine and the HKS from Japan. Rotax engines are the worldwide recognized
standard for Ultralight aircraft, with the available options being the 52 HP "503" or the 65 HP
"582" and the 75HP "618". The Rotax 503 is air-cooled, while the 582 & 618's are liquid
cooled, all engines feature dual electronic ignition, electric start, reduction gear boxes to
improve propeller efficiency and carbon fiber Brolga ground adjustable props. All the Rotax
engines are two strokes designed to run on normal automotive fuel mixed with two-stroke oil
similar to motorcycles. Hence there is no need to go in search of aviation fuel, which makes
the X-AIR less dependent on airfields and aviation fuel supplies. The fuel tank capacity of
just over 59 liters gives a comfortable endurance of at least 3 hours at normal cruise with a 1/2
hour reserve. The X-Air can also be fitted with the Australian made Jabiru four cylinder four
stroke engine. The Jabiru engine produces 80 horsepower and consumes approximately 15
liters of fuel per hour, whilst the Jabiru is an expensive option it is still worthy of serious
consideration. The HKS engine has been successfully fitted to several aircraft overseas, but to
date we have none flying in Australia.
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS ROTAX 503
52 HP purpose built aircraft engine Twin cylinder air-cooled two strokes Dual electronic
ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder Dual carburetors Forced air cooled with fan
assistance E type electric start gearbox Three blade carbon fiber Brolga prop
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS ROTAX 582
62 HP purpose built aircraft engine
Twin cylinder water-cooled two stroke
Dual electronic ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder
Dual carburetors
Liquid cooled
E type electric start gearbox
Three blade carbon fiber Brolga prop
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS ROTAX 618
75 HP purpose built aircraft engine
Twin cylinder water-cooled two stroke
Dual electronic ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder
Dual carburetors
Liquid cooled
Oil injection, standard
E type electric start gearbox
Three blade carbon fiber Brolga prop
PERFORMANCE
At close to sea level, under standard temperature and pressure conditions with the aircraft
loaded 450kg all up weight, and with the Rotax 582 engine, aircraft fitted with doors, the X-
Air performance figures are as follows.
Stall speed 25 knots
Max speed 80 knots
Cruise speed 65 knots
Economy cruise 55 knots
Rate of climb +1000 ft/min
Climb out speed 45 knots
Best glide ratio 7@40 knots
Rolling distance at take off
30 meters (582)
Distance to land 50 meters
Fuel consumption
15-17 l/h at 55 knots (582)
AIRCRAFT STRENGTH
Structurally the X-Air will endure stress up to 6 Gs positive and 3 Gs negative. This is far
beyond the limits, to which the aircraft will be exposed to, even in the most severe turbulent
conditions. However, it is important to note that the X-Air is not designed to perform
aerobatics. All components are protected from corrosion, by epoxy / polyurethane paints, or
electrolytic processes to ensure a safe and long life of structural components even in coastal
environments.
X-AIR ASSEMBLY
The X-Air is extremely easily to build; all that's needed are basic tools and an assembly area
similar in size to a single car garage. The manuals supplied are in English and demonstrate the
assembly procedure by the use of computer generated three-dimensional drawings, all that's
needed is to start on page one and work your way through. Any questions can always be
answered by telephone and we have assembly pictures on the web site for the most often
asked questions. Should you feel assembly might be past your abilities we can offer
"Commercial Assistance" in the assembly of your kit. Basically this means, an experienced X-
Air assembler can offer assistance in the building of your aircraft, you have to be in
attendance during the construction period and are in control of the assembly but we can assist
and offer guidance during the project and test flying of your aircraft.
Special thanks to X air Australia for the bulk of the above information.
Larry Musarra, age 45, recently retired from the United States Coast Guard. He flew Sikorsky
HH3F and HH60J rescue helicopters throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and the Great
Lakes. During his career he has accumulated almost 5000 hours of flight time and had the
opportunity to fly across the United States in a helicopter on 2 occasions. He has an Airline
Transport Pilot rating in heavy helicopters and is a helicopter flight instructor. Larry is also
instrument and commercial rated in single engine land aircraft and has a commercial glider rating. Larry is active in a variety of outdoor activities. He holds an advanced SCUBA divers certification, is an avid sea kayaker, enjoys backcountry skiing, and mountain climbing.
Lenne' Musarra, age 49, grew up in Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A. but has also lived in
California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Florida, New York City, Louisiana, Michigan and Alaska.
She spent 10 months living in Hyderabad, India in 1965 when her dad received a Fulbright
Fellowship. She and Larry have been looking forward to exploring and living in other
countries. Lenne' has recently been pursuing certification in early childhood education. She
student taught in a kindergarten classroom in Juneau Alaska during the 1999-2000 school
year. She also has been a creative movement teacher for young children for many years. With
a master's degree in dance therapy, she has led movement groups for such diverse populations
as the mentally ill, prison inmates, seniors and the handicapped. Lenne's hobbies include
writing, dancing, knitting, organic gardening, hiking, music, and alternatives in education and
the healing arts.
Aren Musarra is 16 and is ecstatic about the trip. In preparation, he has completed Aviation
Ground School, taken a photography class, and gotten his Advanced SCUBA diving
certificate. In attempts to keep up with his father, he enjoys kayaking, scuba diving, hiking,
and presumably flying. He also wrote and designed this web page. During the trip, Aren will
be missing half of his junior year in high school and intends to correspond with his classes
over the internet. He is also seriously considering going to college in Australia.
Sungie Musarra, age 12, is a seventh grader at Dzantik' I Heeni Middle School. He plays the
Baritone in his school band and he lives for sports & friends. He's into basketball, baseball,
volleyball, tennis, running, wrestling, skiing and playing soccer. He enjoys socializing with
friends; like talking on the phone, chatting on the Internet, and going to movies, the mall, and
to friends houses.
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