TL Sport unveils Sirius BackCountry STOL aircraft
Company touts takeoff runs under 200 feet
TL Sport Aircraft unveiled its Sirius BackCountry aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin. The Czech Republic-based company said the new tailwheel model, an evolution of its tricycle-gear Sirius factory-built light sport aircraft, is designed for the North American market and is meant to combine high-performance short takeoff and landing capability with luxury features.
The Sirius BackCountry’s airframe features a mix of carbon fiber and Kevlar and is equipped with Alaskan Gear Company Alaskan Bushwheel Airstreak main wheels and an Acme Aero Suspensions Stinger pneumatic tailwheel assembly. The resulting ruggedness, the company said, allows the aircraft to handle sandbars and a range of airstrips including those carved into rural fields.
“We are so excited to bring this extraordinary aircraft to the market here in North America. The Sirius BackCountry is a result of 35 years of design excellence and we believe it is a cost-effective, multi-functional, MOSAIC-ready / E-AB aircraft,” said Trey Murdaugh, president of TL Sport Aircraft. “As the North American distributor, we are thrilled to be working hand-in-hand with TL Ultralight in the design and delivery of these cutting-edge aircraft to a new segment of the aviation market.”
Engine options for the new airplane include the Rotax 912UL, 912 iS, 914 iS, and 916iS, as well as the Turbotech Turboprop TP-R90. TL Predator, DUC Hélices Propellers' Tiger, and Hartzell Falcon propellers are options, as is a ballistic airframe parachute.
TL said the Sirius BackCountry can take off within 200 feet, land within 100 feet, climb at 1,800 to 2,200 feet per minute, and cruise at 156 mph. Its service ceiling is 21,500 feet.
The Sirius BackCountry will initially be on display at booths 305 and 306 and will move to the ultralights booth 940 for media rides.
