Czech manufacturer JMB Aircraft has delivered the first VL3 Evolution fitted with a Rotax 915 engine.
The VL3 Evolution is a composite, low-wing retractable with an MTOW of 600 kg, making it registerable as a recreational aircraft in Australia.
JMB has previously offered the Evolution with a Rotax 912 or 914 turbo only.
The 142-hp engine has increased the top speed to nearly 200 KTAS, leading to JMB declaring it the fastest aircraft in the ultralight category. Along with that comes a climb rate of 2000 feet per minute.
For comparison, the 914-equipped VL3 has a top speed of 167 KTAS and a climb rate of 1600 fpm. The heavier 915 engine has taken 20 kg out of the useful load, with the BEW increased to 360 kg, leaving 240 for crew, fuel and luggage.
JMB has increased the size of the fuel tanks to 140 litres over the 120-litre tanks fitted to the slower models. In economy mode, the 915 will consume around 23 lph, which means an endurance of five hours plus a one-hour reserve.
The first of the type was delivered to a customer in the Czech Republic in July.