All-Carbon-Fiber Aircraft To Be Distributed In North America By Canadian Company

The Blackshape CF300 Prime two-seater, the first ultra-light sport aircraft made entirely from carbon fiber and conceived using Formula One tools and methods will be distributed in North America by the Aircité Aviation - Aviasport partnership, the company said Monday.

Using a complete suite of electronic equipment, the Prime redefines the standards for pleasure and efficiency by taking full advantage of the strength and light weight of carbon fiber. The well-known and respected 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS engine contributes to the reliability and efficiency of operation of the aircraft.

The Prime takes full advantage of its low weight to deliver unmatched performance numbers that redefine the standards for this class of aircraft: maximal speed (VNE) of 183 knots, cruising speed at 75% throttle up to 148 knots, and maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,234 pounds. With two tanks totaling 29 gallons, the range at cruising speed is up to 593 nm. In economy mode (121 knots), the maximum range goes up to 917 nm. Minimum strip length for takeoff and landing is 492 feet on a paved or smooth natural surface.

Developed and produced since 2011 by Blackshape SpA in Italy, the Prime is now well known in Europe and the Middle-East. In fact, the Italian Navy is working with Blackshape SpA to develop a program using Prime aircraft to train its pilots on carrier-borne operations. Military applications are extremely demanding, and this is further proof of the Prime's design integrity, strength, safety and reliability.

Standard equipment on the Prime matches advanced and upscale aircraft: retractable landing gear, digital instrumentation combining EFIS - EMS - GPS, variable pitch propeller, autopilot, survival cell and ballistic parachute. An extensive suite of options, including a more complete instrumentation and a more sophisticated cockpit are also available.

Approved by Transport Canada for the Advanced Ultralight Aircraft (AULA) class, the Blackshape CF300 Prime opens up a new segment in the high performance sport aircraft market. A more evolved version with 115HP and a 1,652 pound maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is in preparation for certification in Canada and the United States.

The AULA version base model Prime is available for $242,000. A demonstration model will be available for testing in April at the Lachute (QC) Airport, 40 minutes west of Montreal.

(Images provided by Blackshape Aircraft)

FMI: www.blackshapeaircraft.com