Jabiru debuts light-sport category twin
J432 to qualify under MOSAIC
The Jabiru J432 is a standard light sport aircraft, with a twist: two podded engines protruding from the nose. The unusual aircraft made its U.S. debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, an example of the new configurations that can qualify as light-sport category aircraft under the certification regulations that take effect July 24.
The twin-engine, four-seat aircraft on display days before the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification rule's final effective date at the Jabiru Aircraft and US Sport Planes exhibit along Celebration Way is powered by two 85-horsepower J2200 engines and shares more than 80 percent of its components with the existing Jabiru fleet, according to US Sport Planes President Scott Severen. The aircraft is a preproduction prototype that Severen says will be used for evaluation as US Sport Planes, Jabiru importer to the Americas, seeks light-sport category certification for the model under the new Part 22 regulations.
"Oh my goodness, it has been overwhelming," he said. "I'm having trouble talking because, what is this, Tuesday? And I can barely speak because of just talking to so many people. Everybody—we've had several people come back from flight schools that are interested. You know, we had a really, really positive response."
The J432 first flew in 2013. One is flying in Australia and another in South Africa, and this marks the first in North America. Severen said the airplane will be sold both as a kit and light-sport category aircraft, and it has attracted attention from flight schools, which he sees as the primary market for the J432.
The J432 cruises at 125 knots, and the Jabiru-produced, direct-drive, air-cooled engines consume about 4 gph per side. Severen said its docile handling characteristics also make it suited to flight training.
"Aside from the twin engines and the lovely handling characteristics that Jabiru is known for, it's just a giant puppy dog," he said. "The two engines have a pretty close center line, so the critical engine is not as critical." Other features include a ballistic parachute and a third door.
Burrow said he's been flying Jabiru aircraft since 2018 and likes the utility of the aircraft, but he was looking for the extra safety of a second engine. He said when he was flying a single-engine Jabiru, his operational costs were about $60 per hour, and he estimates costs for the twin won't be much more.
Related Articles
