The Blackshape Gabriel trainer aircraft was developed by Italian aircraft maker Blackshape to serve both military and civil pilot training.
The Bk160 Gabriel aircraft base model was launched at the AERO Friedrichshafen trade show held in April 2017, while its upgraded version, designated Gabriel Turboprop (Gabriel-TP), was launched at the Singapore Airshow 2020.
The Gabriel trainer aircraft received design organisation approval and the type certificate in CS-VLA (Very Light Aeroplanes) category from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Powered by a turboprop engine, the upgraded trainer variant is intended primarily for military pilot training.
Blackshape plans to cooperate with aircraft manufacturers in South East Asian countries including Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, and Malaysia to provide either knock-down kits or full technology transfer for local production of the Gabriel trainer.
Blackshape Bk100-Prime ultralight aircraft serves as the basis for the Gabriel trainer aircraft as well as for ISR and optionally-piloted aircraft versions. A total of 58 Blackshape Prime aircraft were operational in 18 countries, while its special configurations were in service with military operators.
The Gabriel trainer aircraft features aerodynamic fixed-wing design with its design optimised to reduce maintenance and direct operating costs.
Carbon fibre is used in the construction of the aircraft and the fuselage is equipped with low-wing configuration with a wing area of 10.31m² and a wing span of 9m.
The overall height of the trainer is 2.45m, while the overall length is 7.45m. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 850kg, a useful load of 220kg with the capacity to carry 33kg of baggage on-board.
The aircraft is outfitted with an electrical systems with military-grade wiring, temperatures and fuel capacity sensors, anti-blast fuel tanks, and five-point certified safety seat belts. It is also fitted with a ballistic parachute.
The on-board differential braking system is used to steer the aircraft, while the landing gear is electrically actuated.
Gabriel trainer aircraft is equipped with glass cockpit with dual flight controls. It accommodates two pilots in tandem configuration.
The Gabriel can be armed with external payloads, allowing for the training of pilots on light-strike or counter-insurgency (COIN) operations.
The Blackshape Gabriel trainer aircraft is powered by a Lycoming IO-320-D1B engine of 160hp power at 2,700rpm. The engine has a compression ratio of 8.50:1 and drives Hartzell Raptor Series composite propellers in tractor configuration.
The power-plant offers a maximum speed of 164k at sea level and can reach altitudes of 15,000ft. The maximum rate of climb is 1,550fpm, while the maximum endurance is 192 minutes. The trainer requires a take-off distance of 250m and the landing ground roll of 190m.
The load factor of the aircraft is +4.4/-2g. Equipped with Roll Royce turboprop engine, the Gabriel-TP variant can attain a true airspeed of 200k at sea level.
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