Micro Aviation Bantam

Bantam
Role	Microlight
Manufacturer	Micro Aviation
Designer	Max Clear
First flight	1983
Number built	275+

The Micro Aviation Bantam is a high wing two-seat microlight aircraft built in New Zealand by Micro Aviation. The first Bantam was a Rotax 503 powered single seater derived from the Phantom ultralight by Max Clear in 1983, and known as the B10 (B for Bantam, 10 for the number of people who helped build it).

The Bantam was a success, and Max Clear decided to build the type for others. He founded MicroAviation at Te Kowhai to build a further improved version, the B-20, which had pull on sailcloth wings, conventional 3 axis controls, and some structural improvements.

In 1986 production switched to the B22, which had a two-seat body and a Rotax 582 engine. Although the B-22 name has been retained, further large redesigns have seen a new wing with Clark Y section aerofoil, wider chord and shorter span adopted, and additional bracing added to the tail.

Current production models are the B22S with the new wing and the B22J (with an Australian Jabiru 85 hp 4-stroke engine). Variants have been made with amphibious float undercarriage, crop-spraying equipment, for coastal and game park patrol and with controls adapted for use by paraplegic pilots. As with many New Zealand aircraft, the Bantam is effectively a STOL type (stated ground roll is 30 metres), although the short undercarriage travel limits rough field capabilities.

As of 2006, 275 Bantams had been produced. They can be found throughout the world, but are most common in Australasia and Africa.

In October 2007 the first flight of the B22UL model took place. This version is powered by a ULPower UL260i. This engine features a FADEC system and produces 71 kW (95 hp). The first Bantam to fly with this new powerplant was airframe number 300.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 5.544 m (18 ft 2.28in)
• Wingspan: 9.031 m (29 ft 7.56in)
• Height: ()
• Empty weight: 176 kg (388 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 430 kg (948 lb)

Performance

• Cruise speed: 104 km/h (64 mph)
• Stall speed: 43 km/h (26 mph)

Links

• Micro Aviation
• ULPower Aero Engines