Rans S-16 Shekari Explained

The Rans S-16 Shekari is an American single-engined, two-seat, low-wing, experimental amateur built aerobatic monoplane designed by Randy Schlitter, and produced by Rans Inc of Hays, Kansas, and sold as a kit for amateur construction.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Design and development

Conceived as a new generation of Rans aircraft focusing on quicker built times and higher performance, the Shekari is stressed for dual aerobatics.[5]

The Shekari has a 4130 steel tube-and-fabric forward fuselage with composite covering and 6061-T3 aluminum tube rear fuselage and tail. It is available as either a tail wheel landing gear or tricycle landing gear versions. The wings are removable by one person in ten minutes for storage or trailering.

The S-16 has been flown with the Rotax 912UL of 800NaN0, but is typically equipped with engines such as the Continental IO-240 of 1300NaN0 and can accept engines up to the Lycoming O-320 with 1600NaN0. Construction time claimed is 600 to 1500 man-hours, depending on builder experience.

Production of the S-16 was ended as part of Rans' extensive reorganization of its product line on 1 June 2006, after the kit had been available for 8 years. Twenty-two had been completed and flown by the end of 2005.[6]

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Notes and References

  1. Downey, 2004, p.77
  2. Purdy, 1998, p.241
  3. Bertrand, 2003, p.194
  4. Downey, 1998, p.66
  5. Taylor 1996, p. 502
  6. ANN, 2006, RANS: Light Sport Aircraft Are The Future