Canadian Manufacturer Claims To Produce Biggest ELSA In Kit Form

There is no doubt about it. Most people react the same way when they get their first peek of Explorer Aeronautique Inc.'s Ecoflyer: "It's so big!" On top of that, when you look at its spec sheet, you notice that in the cabin dimensions section the company states the numbers include "a bed for two."

Let's insert the obligatory pause for effect at this point (and delete any Mile High Jokes that may be flitting through your brain).

Now that we got past that... Yes, it's true! This ELSA soon to be produced in finished LSA form does in fact have room for a very cozy bed for two!

Based out of Quebec, Canada, Explorer Aeronautique Inc. has designed what is a very interesting LSA made entirely out of composite materials, powered by a Jabiru 3300 and pushed along by a Sensenich two-blade prop. Estimated time for construction is 200 hours for the basic airframe, but since the kit comes without engine, prop, interior and instrumentation, the actual completion time is estimated at some 700 hours.

The company has delivered nine ELSA kits, priced at US$35,000. All nine of the kits are completed and flying. They plan to start shipping factory-completed LSA's in about twelve months.

The specs are certainly respectable; top speed of 138 mph, cruise at 75% power and 8,000 feet of 135 mph, dropping to 125 mph at 55% power. The aircraft stalls at 44 mph, takes off in 400 feet and lands in 700 feet.

Initial rate of climb is 1100 feet/min, and range in zero-wind conditions starts at 750 miles at 55% power and is reduced to 650 miles at 75% power. Exterior measurements are 32 feet wingspan, 22 feet long and 86 inches in height.

But it is the interior measurements that raise eyebrows -- the cabin is a whopping 54 inches wide, 53 inches high and 13 feet long. The usable space behind the two seats extends all the way back almost to the tail, but CG restrictions will obviously limit how much of that you can use in flight.

The claim of the two-person bed is certainly doable on the ground, though, given the total 152 cubic feet available in the cabin.

FMI: www.exploreraero.com