The Airdale is the production version of John Larsen's "Pursang". John took his original Avid MkIV "Hauler" and highly modified it to suit the 4 cycle, 4 cylinder horizontally opposed 100hp Subaru EA81 auto engine. Engine options now include Continental and Rotax.
Modifications to the original Avid included: -Fuselage stretched by 16" to give better ground handling and CG flexibility. -Two piece, easy to install, 74" wide track aluminum landing gear. -Re-raked windshield. -Simplified control system which incorporated differential flaperon controls. -Redesign of cockpit structure to remove tubes from behind seats giving easier access to a larger baggage area (55 gal. drum size). -Individual, fully adjustable, easy to remove tilt and slide seats. -Belly structure in footwell area modified to give extra leg and head room. -Double tailspring for better resilience to rough terrain landings. -Wider cockpit and doors to accommodate larger pilot and passenger. -Redesigned cowling to accommodate greater range of engines. -Modifications to Avid wing to increase Gross Weight capability to 1400 lb. -Full stress analysis to comply with JAR regulations at 1400 lb. Maximum Takeoff Weight.
Engine: Subaru EA-81, 100 hp Hp range: 65-125 Cruise: 108 mph Stall: 48 mph Range: 860 sm ROC: 900 fpm To dist: 800 ft Ldg dist: 400 ft Fuel cap: 28 USG Empty wt: 730 lb Gross wt: 1400 lb Length: 18.8 ft Wingspan: 31 ft Wing area: 132 sq.ft Cockpit width: 43 in Seats: 2 Landing gear: tail or nose wheel