Aeroprakt A-20 Vista Explained
The Aeroprakt A-20 Vista is a family of Ukrainian tandem two-seat high-wing, strut-braced, pusher configuration conventional landing gear, ultralight aircraft, produced by Aeroprakt. The A-20 was introduced into the North American market at AirVenture 1999.[1] [2]
Design and development
Design of the A-20 began in 1990, with the first prototype making its maiden flight on 5 August 1991, with the first production aircraft flying on 15 August 1993.[3] The A-20 is constructed with a fiberglass forward fuselage and cockpit with aluminium wings and tail surfaces covered in doped aircraft fabric. The wing is fitted with half-span ailerons and flaps. The flaps are quite effective and lower the landing speed to 300NaN0. Flaperons are available on some models. The conventional landing gear has steel sprung main gear legs.
The A-20 was originally designed for the 500NaN0 Rotax 503 two-stroke aircraft engine. The low drag airframe produces acceptable performance on this low power output. Optional engines include the 640NaN0 Rotax 582 and 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS[4]
Operational history
An A-20 won the European Microlight Championship in 2002.
Variants
- A-20 Vista
Initial version with a 500NaN0 Rotax 503 engine.
- A-20 Vista STOL
STOL version with a 640NaN0 Rotax 582 engine and standard slotted flaperons.
- A-20 Vista SS
Higher cruise speed version with a reduced span 33.41NaN1 wing and a 640NaN0 Rotax 582 engine.
- A-20 Cruiser
Higher cruise speed version with a reduced span 33.41NaN1 wing and a 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS engine.
- A-20 Cruiser-S
Higher cruise speed version with a reduced span 311NaN1 wing, a 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS engine and standard slotted flaperons.
- A-26 Vulcan
A highly modified twin engine pusher.
- A-30 Vista Speedster:A high performance derivative of the A-20.[5]
References
NotesBibliography
- Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Information Group, 2003. .
- Book: Simpson . Rod . Longley . Pete . Swan . Robert . The General Aviation Handbook: A Guide to Millennial General Aviation Manufacturers and their Aircraft . 2022 . Tonbridge, Kent, UK . Air-Britain (Trading) Limited . 978-0-85130-562-2.
Notes and References
- Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-67. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001.
- Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 116. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- Jackson 2003, p. 463.
- Web site: A-20 Vista. 2 February 2011. Float Planes And Amphibs. 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20101128062356/http://www.fpna.com/a20.htm. 28 November 2010. dead.
- Book: Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-2005 . 2005 . Jane's Publishing Group . London . 0-7106-2614-2 . Paul Jackson.
