Magnus Aircraft debuts Fusion 212
Sporty SLSA’s components made in Hungary
Magnus Aircraft America—or Magnus Aircraft, Inc.—entered the U.S. market earlier this year with its Fusion 212, a composite special light sport aircraft (SLSA). The new design made its first appearance at EAA AirVenture.
The American company is owned by a Hungarian company, explained Istvan Foldesi, president. “The parts are manufactured in Hungary and assembled here, in Virginia,” he said. “We know the American market is demanding of high quality.”
Engineered to aerobatic standards, the Fusion 212 has structural load limits of plus 6 to minus 3 Gs. As a Normal category SLSA aircraft, however, the Fusion 212 is limited to a maximum 60 degrees of bank and 30 degrees of pitch when operating in the United States. The company is testing the Fusion 212 with optional accessories enabling it to perform agricultural operations, wildlife management, and various monitoring tasks; a Sentinel edition will include aerial surveillance camera system options.
The aircraft was designed by engineers at Magnus Aircraft Corp., founded by Gabor Tarany in Hungary in 2011 as a multinational sport aircraft and flight training company. It has developed a global footprint since then, with a presence in Europe and Asia.
Chief Pilot Charlie Snyder of Richmond, Virginia, said a single Dynon Skyview Classic 10-inch-diagonal electronic flight information system ( EFIS) is standard on the basic airplane, along with an angle of attack system with a heated probe. “If that should go out, we do have the airspeed, altitude, and wet compass as backups,” Snyder said. “The aircraft does have a ballistic parachute recovery system.”
Based on his experience flying the Fusion 212 with both standard engine options, Snyder recommends the fuel-injected Rotax. “I have noticed we get much better economy with the injected engine,” he said. The fuel-injected powerplant consumes an average of 3.2 gallons per hour at 75-percent power, while the carbureted Rotax burns about 4.5 gph. As with all other Rotax engines, unleaded automobile fuel is recommended over leaded avgas.
“It’s a marvelous aircraft,” Snyder added. He sees takeoff distances of 400 to 500 feet with 10 degrees of flaps. “This is almost a STOL aircraft,” he said. Maneuvering speed is 110 knots, while the stall comes at 48 knots clean, or 45 knots with full flaps. Seating is semi-reclined and fixed, with adjustable rudder pedals. “It’s easy to get in and out,” he said. And it can carry 44 pounds of baggage behind the seats. “We are presently offering a significant baggage capacity in the aircraft.”
Snyder said two aircraft performed flawlessly on a recent repositioning trip from Texas to Virginia. “Magnus Aircraft has returned the word ‘sport,’ in function, to Light Sport aircraft,” he said.
The base model is currently priced at $139,900. The company said it has sold more than 20 aircraft and currently can produce two per month; however, when a new production facility in Hungary comes on line, it will be able to produce 220 per year. The U.S. company plans to establish certified maintenance shops nationwide.
Prospective buyers can fly the Fusion 212 this summer from Virginia's Culpeper Regional Airport, near the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Visit the company’s website for more information.
