The contenders
MOSAIC could bring these sleek, efficient aircraft to America
Blackshape Prime
This sleek, stylish, two-seat, tandem design from Italy has been a hit among civilian and military customers. It’s usually powered by Rotax engines, but Blackshape also has used a four-cylinder Lycoming engine and has been exploring turboprop options, too.
BRM Bristell B23M
The metal low-wing airplane is a larger, beefier version of the Czech company’s LSA offerings. The Rotax-powered B23M has a roomy, 51-inch-wide cockpit, steerable nosewheel, and luggage compartments in each wing. BRM Aero also offers a retractable-gear and Turbotech TP-90R option.
GoGetAir G750
This Slovenian two-seater with fixed gear and side-by-side seating is simple to operate and maintain. Options include a rear children’s seat and, like its European brethren, the GoGetAir G750 comes with Rotax and Turbotech engine options.
JMB VL3
The JMB series incorporates side-by-side seating in its all-composite, two-seat aircraft. The Belgian company known for the exacting fit and finish on its highly efficient airplanes also is exploring turboprop options for even greater speed and performance.
Porto Risen
An uncompromising V-tail design delivers spectacular speed and range. Designer and owner Alberto Porto has flown them from the company’s home base in Italy to the United States and back on long-duration Atlantic crossings, which demonstrate their exceptional flight efficiency.
ScaleWings SW–51
These carbon-fiber Mustang lookalikes are built with exceptional fidelity to the original World War II-era fighters. They’re obviously much smaller, and their 160-horsepower engines are an order of magnitude less powerful than a 12-cylinder Merlin, but the SW-51s made in Poland have captured the imaginations of pilots around the world.
Shark UL
These carbon-fiber, Rotax-powered, marvels of speed and efficiency have performed Earth-rounding, record-setting flights—and they’re sporty and fun to fly on less ambitious trips, too. Tandem seating and semi-reclined seats make flying a Shark somewhat akin to the feeling of being in a high-performance glider.
Sling 2
The rugged, metal, low-wing Sling 2 has proven itself to be a highly effective and durable trainer as well as a popular sport airplane. The South African design has roomy, side-by-side seating and a sliding canopy that keeps students and instructors cool on the ground while providing outstanding in-flight visibility.
Tarragon
Sleek, sporty, and highly capable, these carbon-fiber designs made in Latvia are incredibly capable. Whether they’re being flown in the thin air at high altitude where their turbocharged Rotax engines deliver exceptional speed and range, or aggressively maneuvering down low, these two-seat, tandem airplanes provide exceptional responsiveness and visibility.
TL Sparker
Retractable gear and sidesticks distinguish this Czech ultralight with side-by-side seating. The 1,320-pound, Rotax 915 iS version has a never-exceed speed of 181 knots. 
