Below is all the information pertaining to the Sling 4 aircraft. To reveal the content click on each title bar.

The Sling 4 concept emerged from the performance of the standard Airplane Factory Sling 2 during Mike and James' 2009 circumnavigation. Conceived as a 600kg MAUW "light sport" aircraft, it was soon clear that, even with a normally aspirated 100hp motor, the standard Sling was able to climb and perform well right up to 970kg. The first consequence is that The Airplane Factory Team performed all the required tests and approved the standard aircraft at 700kg MAUW. We also simultaneously commenced work on development of a light 4 seater version of the same aircraft.

The chief differences between the Sling 2 and the Sling 4 are the wing size, the engine and the centre fuselage arrangements. Where the standard Sling customarily uses a 100hp Rotax 912 ULS or iS engine, the Sling 4 will be fitted with the 115hp turbocharged Rotax 914 UL engine. Although a 15hp difference doesn't sound like the world, the turbocharged engine gives full power at up to 15 000 feet, at which altitude the 100hp would only be delivering approximately 55hp. So on a hot day the swing in power between the 912 ULS and 914 UL engine is in the vicinity of 36%, not just 15%.

Some of the features which make the Sling such a fine aircraft include:

• Her flying characteristics - perfectly coordinated, highly responsive controls (she feels like a fighter jet without being over-sensitive);
• Her performance - close to the best across the full range of qualities;
• Her aluminum construction - for ease and consistency of construction and proven strength and lifespan;
• Her airframe strength and durability – she won’t break easily and if you treat her right, she’ll last you for the rest of your life;
• Her excellent instrumentation options;
• Her wide cockpit, excellent all around view and substantial luggage capacity;
• The incorporation, by design, of a ballistic parachute for safety;
• The use of high quality components throughout

LSA

The Sling is flown subject to a MAUW restriction of 600kg. In this configuration the Sling complies with all the requirements of ASTM F2245 – "Standard Specification for the Design and Performance of a Light Sport Aircraft".

VLA

The Sling is flown subject to a MAUW restriction of 700kg. In this configuration the Sling complies with all the requirements of the "Certification Specifications for Very Light Aeroplanes, CS-VLA".

The aircraft specifications, save for fuel capacity and weights, however, are the same in each category.
The performances are different and are provided for both of the categories.

Below are the various kits available for the Sling 4, as well as any optional extras available.

Kit builders do not only receive support from the friendly staff at The Airplane Factory, but you also have support through the extensive kit building manual supplied with your kit and our Kit Build Channel on YouTube, supplying you with informative videos which assist in building your Sling kit.

Kits Available

Empennage Kit:
Kit for construction of complete horizontal and vertical stabilisers, rudder and elevators, hinges, control connectors, trim tab, composite tips.
Wing Kit:
Kit for construction of complete set of wings, including already assembled main spars, flaps, ailerons, hinges, bellcranks, fuel tanks, pitot mount brackets, composite wing tips.
Fuselage Kit:
Kit for construction of complete forward, mid and rear fuselage, including fully assembled centre spar, rear spar, seats, all control mechanisms (throttle, brake, stick, pedals etc), firewall, engine mount attached to firewall.
Undercarriage Kit:
Complete undercarriage kit including main and front gear, main gear mount bolts, front spring & related parts, wheels, tyres, tubes, axles, bearings, hydraulic brake system.
Canopy and Instrument Panel Kit:
Complete canopy kit including slider, front and main canopy frames, front windscreen, main canopy, closing panels
Final assembly and finishing Kit:
Kit includes everything required to effect final assembly of aircraft, including nose cowling, all composite closing fairings, pushrod assemblies, related rivets and hardware.

Extras:

• Kit packed in separate cardboard & plywood boxes - required for freighting
• Fuel system including aux fuel pump, selector valve etc.
• Warp Drive propellor, prop extension, spinner
• MGL EFIS system complete plus backup analogue flight instruments
• MGL V6 Radio, VHF antenna (includes internal intercom)
• Electrics, switches, circuit breakers, batteries, wires, actuators etc.
• Landing lights
• Airframe components, wheel spats, steps etc.
• Leather upholstery, carpets etc.
• Extras, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, covers etc.
• Documentation, fees & inspections
• Paint (estimate)
• Tools, clecos, pneumatic riveter etc.

Optional

• Trig transponder with antenna and harness
• Auto Pilot system
• Aveo triple PowerBurst LED strobe and nav light system with lifetime warranty
• Parachute recovery system with mount and cables

Standard Equipment

Optional Upgrade Items