May 2010 covers_Covers.qxd - World Airnews

The Evektor SportStar
EVEKTOR AEROTECHNIK –
40 years of aircraft production
ONE OF the most prolific and bestknown
manufacturers of light
aircraft, Evektor Aerotechnik, is
celebrating its Ruby Anniversary this year
and, to mark the auspicious occasion, it
recently rolled out its first twin-engine
turboprop model, the nine- to 14passenger
the EV-55 Outback.
This aircraft had its first engine run in
December and had been undergoing
ground testing prior to its official roll-out
late in March.
This followed close on the heels of the
unveiling of the new single engine fourseat
aircraft, the VUT100 Cobra, which
marked Evektor Aerotechnik’s move into
the higher segment of general aviation
manufacturing.
Forty years ago the company was
established with the manufacture of the
well-known L-13 Vivat motor glider. It
then went on to produce general aviation
aircraft with the remodelling of Zlin
aircraft types such as the L-60 Brigadyr.
The company soon established itself in
aircraft design and manufacturing together
with transmission of the highest
general aviation standards.
Manufacturing and marketing sport
aviation aircraft became a base for
Evektor Aerotechnik’s success on the
world markets in this particular sphere
with the result that, today, the company
is one of the world’s largest manufacturer
of advanced UL and LSA airplanes with
fleet of around 1 000 aircraft flying.
These are operated by flight schools
and by private individuals in more than 40
countries across the world.
In 1996 production of advanced
ultralight aircraft was launched; starting
with the P-220UL Koala. In 1997 Evektor
introduced the advanced ultralight EV-97
Eurostar which, thanks to its excellent
flight characteristics, reliability and
uncompromising built-in quality, immediately
became popular worldwide for
training in flight schools as well as leisure
flying.
Early in 2003 the new Evektor Harmony
trainer gained the JAR-VLA type certificate
from the Czech CAA followed by EASA TC
two years later. The rugged JAR-VLA airframe
was also utilised in the Evektor new
light sport aircraft called SportStar that, in
April 2004, became the very first aircraft
type in the world approved by the FAA in
the US LSA category.
For its proven excellent flight
characteristics and outstanding control
harmonies the SportStar received “S-LSA
Aircraft of the Year” honour from AeroNews
Network.
In 2008 the Evektor introduced the new
SL models of the EuroStar and SportStar.
SL is the abbreviation of words Sleek Lines
representing the new sleek exterior design
of both models.
At lastr month’s Aero Friedrichshafen
air show, Evektor unveiled the new luxury
cockpit of the EuroStar / SportStar where
Evektor has utilised its long-term experience
in car interior designs.
Evektor is involved also in general
aviation projects from the European
aviation industry. In recent years the
company has participated in deliveries of
subassemblies such as those for the Ibis
Ae 270 project; Aero Vodochody L-159
programme and deliveries of production
jigs for the Boeing 747 auxiliary fuel tank
programme of Marshall Aerospace. Q
WORLD AIRNEWS, MAY 2010. 65