Kestrel Aerospace is developing a novel and exciting compact aircraft for the enthusiast pilot. Our first model, the Kestrel K103 TM, is being developed in accordance with FAA Part 103 rules for ultralight aircraft. Ultralight aircraft are required to weigh not more than 254 lbs, have a top speed of not more than 55 knots (63 mph), a stall speed of not more than 24 knots (27 mph), and a fuel capacity of 5 gallons or less. They may carry only the pilot and no passengers. Aircraft within these limits do not require FAA registration or insurance, and a pilot license is not required to fly them. Considering the significant time and money involved in getting a pilot license – often 1-2 years and $30-50k – the ability to fly without a pilot license make ultralights an excellent means of exploring recreational aviation. While some hands-on-stick and book pilot training is essential for safe operation of the aircraft, the time and money required is a fraction of that required for a full pilot license.
Most currently available fixed wing ultralight aircraft are basically hang gliders with a seat and attached motor, as can be seen in the photos below. The Quicksilver and Aerolite ultralights are two of the most popular ultralights currently in the market and are a good choice for those seeking a traditional glider-style ultralight. However the K103 is being designed from the start to resemble a more traditional aircraft, where the pilot sits inside a fuselage rather than hanging from the airframe, and the motor and fuel are both ahead of him rather than above and behind him – potentially critical safety considerations in case of an accident!
Specifications
At this time we are not publicly releasing any photographs of the design. Several design features have yet to be finalized such that the current design may not be representative of the final aircraft. The design is roughly similar in appearance to a Rutan Quickie except the Kestrel design has a twin boom tail and tricycle landing gear.
Rutan Quickie
Transport and Storage
The K103 was designed for ease of transport and storage. The wings are detachable, and the tail folds over the fuselage such that the entire aircraft fits in a pickup truck bed or small car trailer. It can be readied from the storage configuration to the flight configuration in about 15 minutes. Why wait years on a hanger waitlist and then pay for a hanger rental indefinitely when your aircraft can be stored easily at home?
Assembly and Maintenance
The K103 will initially be offered only as a quick-build kit. All major structure components come precut and coated. It’s mainly a bolt together deal. No welding or fiberglassing is required. Everything required to complete the aircraft will be included in the kit including the engines, propellers, and gauges.
Mechanical complexity of the aircraft is similar to a motorcycle and the pilot can handle all required maintenance. Maintenance required consists of periodic oil, tire, brake, spark plug, filter, and battery changes. The engines and the propeller shaft bearings should be replaced at 1000 hours. Each engine weighs only 40 lbs and can be removed and replaced in about 30 minutes with no special equipment required.
Training
The K103 is designed to be exceptionally easy to fly. The counter rotating props cancel engine and propeller torque, and the tandem wing design is stall resistant and less sensitive to pitch angle than conventional aircraft. Stall speeds are low and no flare is required to dump energy at touchdown – just fly close to the landing zone and cut power – it will sink naturally and land. Pilots should achieve basic proficiency with perhaps 10 hours of flight training.
Project Status
As of August 2024 our first “K0” prototype is at the taxi test stage. Flight testing will commence in 4Q of 2024, and we intend to publicly show the aircraft at the Sun-N-Fun airshow in Florida in April 2025. We hope to see you there!
Future Variants
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Turbojet. Several small centrifugal jet engines are available which would provide adequate thrust for the K103 ultralight. The jet version of the K103 would be a bit more expensive and be very thirsty, but for those looking to experience the unique sound and feel of a jet aircraft there would be no more thrilling and cost effective opportunity than the K103J TM!
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Light Sport Aircraft. The K103 is being designed from the start to handle more powerful engines and a greater fuel capacity which would significantly increase its top speed and range. This would take it outside of the Part 103 regulations and require it to be registered as a Light Sport experimental aircraft with the FAA, but for those who have a pilot license it would allow for a higher performance aircraft which retains the many advantages of the K103 design.
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Search and Rescue. The Kestrel LSA TM may be an ideal aircraft for search and rescue, having greater range with much less operating cost and training time required than a helicopter. The twin independent engines make it particularly well suited for over-water operations in search of missing boats or downed pilots, which can then be rescued by surface vessels or other aircraft. Kestrel Aerospace will be pursuing SBIR funding with the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and/or Coast Guard to further explore these opportunities.
In addition to the K103 ultralight aircraft, Kestrel Aerospace has another significant development project currently underway (“Project Z”), but those development efforts are confidential and we are not publicly disclosing any details at this time.