Skyriders Phantom

The Skyriders company builds a European version of the Ultralight Flight Phantom, which is identical to the American machine except for the power pack and a larger fuel tank.

Ultralight Flight fit a Kawasaki TA440 engine and, while this variant remains available in Europe, the popularity of Robin engines in Europe has led Skyriders to standardise on the Robin EC44 power unit.

Nicklow Engineering supplies his engine in lightweight form, without cooling fan, in which guise it gives 295 lb (134 kg) of static thrust.

Engine: Robin EC44, 58 hp at 7200 rpm
Propeller diameter and pitch 60 x 30 inch 1.52 x 0.76 m
Toothed-belt reduction, ratio 2.5/1
Max static thrust 295 lb, 134 kg
Power per unit area 0.41 hp/sq.ft, 4.4 hp/sq.m
Fuel capacity 6.0 US gal, 5.0 Imp gal, 22.7 litre
Empty weight 229 lb, 104kg
Max take-off weight 509 lb, 231 kg
Payload 280 lb, 127 kg
Max wing loading 3.61 lb/sq.ft, 17.6 kg/sq.m
Max power loading 8.8 lb/hp, 4.0kg/hp
Max recommended level speed 70mph, 113kph
Max possible level flight speed >80mph, >129kph
Never exceed speed 100 mph, 161 kph
Max cruising speed 70mph, 113kph
Economic cruising speed 50 mph, 80 kph
Stalling speed 28 mph, 45 kph
Max climb rate at sea level 1500 ft/ min, 7.6 m/s
Take-off distance 60 ft, 18 m on concrete
Landing distance 50 ft, 15 m on concrete
Range at average cruising speed 150 mile, 241 km