By Kristy Gilligan 

Here’s another range of aircraft we can be proud to call our own. The LightWing Speed represents the blood, sweat and tears of a few Aussie aviation lovers, namely Nick, Howie and Shelly Hughes of Hughes Engineering based in Ballina, New South Wales.

Not only is the LightWing range accessible and practical for the Australian market but it’s also smart enough to offer a good range of configurations to suit each individual buyer. The two seat SP-2000S can be registered ultralight or VH, or the SP-2000S or SP-4000 in a four seat configuration can be registered under the VH experimental category. Phew! And if that’s not enough, you can also choose tricycle or tail wheel configurations, various engines, cockpit options and interiors.

There are so many choices it might seem daunting but you soon realise the flexibility to choose means the LightWing becomes the aircraft you want, rather than the aircraft the designer wanted. To save too much confusion we’ll just consider the SP-2000S this time around, the two seat option available with a Rotax 912-s or 914 turbo. A variable inflight pitch adjustable propeller is offered as an option to achieve a 120 knot cruise using the lower power Rotax engines. As an option, composite semi-laminar wheel fairings can add another three to four knots to the cruise and improve the already impressive rate of climb. They are not available on S-LSA aircraft.

Getting about in a recreationally registered two seat, low wing aircraft at 115 knots is nothing to scoff at. Many love the low wing for its increased visibility into a turn and dynamic looking lines. It is also easy to reach for fuelling (yes folks, wing tanks!) or somewhere to sit your lunch. From a kit start it is about 500 hours to build, or you can be lazy and tell them to make it for you. Either way, being an Australian company has the added benefit of an ongoing support and source of parts.

From a safety point of view, the Speed has a higher wing loading than the GR-912 LightWing. The aircraft has the same ultra strong welded steel pilot protection frame coated with a zinc Epoxy protection system which has a twenty year conditional guarantee. The welded steel frame is designed to survive multiple impacts and just keep on bending. With other structural composite shells, once the integrity of the shell is compromised, the ability of the structure to protect the occupants is greatly reduced; but not with the LightWing. Aircraft registered experimental can also have a BRS ballistic parachute fitted.

The two upper door hinges that secure the SP-2000's two gull-wing doors, are removable. In the event of an accidental aircraft roll-over, the hinges (and doors) can be removed by pulling the safety pin and pushing the doors outwards: instructions for this are detailed in the flight manual and also on placards near the pins located above the pilot and passengers’ heads.

The glass cockpit consists of an onboard but compact PC, coupled to a digital gyro and a daylight readable LCD touch screen. Computer Aided Navigation offers increased safety and decreased work load, allowing you to view your surrounding landscape and aircraft traffic even if the slightest weather or direct sight obstructions occur. The software and hardware come in three packages. Firstly, the digital E-Gyro software, secondly, Mountain Scope which interprets data from the GPS and the digital gyro to provide both flat maps and a windshield view of the world outside the aircraft and finally flat mapping navigation programme ‘Fugawi’ which stores and provides a full range of digital charts and maps.

Cabin access is via the two gull wing type side-opening doors mentioned before. The two gull-wing doors can be opened while taxiing with the aircraft's speed limited to 10 kts, cross-wind limitations also apply but on a hot day this can let in fresh air after landing or prior to takeoff. While flying, the cockpit has a four point adjustable fresh air ventilation system and heating is standard. The doors and windscreen are heat formed acrylic windows which add a stylish appearance to the aircraft's exterior. Style extends further into the design via a choice of leather upholstery to the comfortable seats and dashboard. The seats are also adjustable for extra cockpit room whilst entering and exiting.

SNAP SHOT
Seats : 2
Engine: Rota z 912-s
Wing Span : 8.7m
Length: 6.42m
Height: 2.52m
MTOW: 600kg
Useful Load : 205kg
Cruise Sped: 115kts
Stall Sped: 43kts
Climb rate : 700ft/min
Range: 6hrs with reserves