Czech manufacturer Bristell has beefed-up its new B23 general aviation aeroplane with a turbo-charged engine.
The B23 is a low-wing aircraft certified to CS23 (FAR23) with a maximum take-off weight of 750 kg. It was first certified in October last year with a 100-hp Rotax and a maximum cruise of 117 KTAS.
The latest version is fitted with a 141-hp Rotax 915iS and a three-blade constant-speed propeller, giving the aircraft a significant boost in operational speeds.
"While the airplane looks very similar to the classic Bristell LSA, there is in fact far more to the new design," BRM Aero says. "The fuselage is longer and the tail is larger, with an aluminium rudder; the flaps and stabiliser are bigger and better, the composite main landing gear legs have been redesigned completely to be able to carry much higher loads than previous Bristell models; and the aircraft’s handling characteristics are much improved.
"In addition, a twin elevator trim tab function helps the pilot to optimise the forces on the control stick."
Although the turbo version doesn't provide a greater take-off weight than the 100-hp model, BRM Aero is listing the maximum horizontal flight speed at 157 KTAS, thought to have been achieved during testing at FL140.
The standard avionics fit-out is two Garmin G3x Touch screens with synthetic vision, Garmin GNC255 nav/comm, ADS-B transponder, GTX345 GPS and a Garmin GMC307 autopilot.
The B23 turbo has been certified NVFR, but can be upgraded to IFR.
More information is on the BRM Aero website.