Tecnam has entered the aerobatic world with the announcement of its new light sport aircraft, the Tecnam SNAP.
It is the second new LSA from the Italian manufacturer in as many weeks, following the announcement of the Astore, and will also be displayed publically for the first time at AERO Friedrichshafen next month.
The SNAP is a single-seat, low-wing aircraft with fixed landing gear, styled after the best aerobatic platforms of today. The main feature of the aircraft is the high power-to-weight ratio claiming the capability to perform aerobatics with low operating costs.
The standard engine is the 98 HP Rotax 912 but the 912is can be installed as well or a special ROTAX 912-derived engine with an extra 23 HP whre regulations permit (ULM and Experimental categories only). The injected engines can be equipped with an inverted oil system.
Unrestricted, the SNAP has a book top speed of 157 knots, but LSA regulations will limit that to 120 knots.
Optional acro fuel tanks enabling extended inverted flight and a constant-speed prop can be fitted.
The structure is 4130 steel fuselage truss and light alloy wing, stabilizer/elevator and fin. Rudder and aileron are made in composite carbon/glass/epoxy structure and so the fuselage cover and engine cowlings. The lower tailcone is covered by fabric while the main landing gear is a single 2024T3 bent and tapered beam.
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
MTOW: 395 kg
Empty Weight: 280 kg
Wing Loading: 47.6 kg/m2
Take-off ground roll: 100 m
Landing ground roll: 280 m
Load limit at MTOW: +6 /-4 g