Blackwing Sweden Blackwing

The Blackwing Sweden Blackwing is a series of airplanes made by Blackwing Sweden, an aviation company that specializes in crafting high-performance ultralight aircraft that blend cutting-edge technology with sleek design.

The Blackwing is the result of a research project commenced in the 1990s, culminating in wind tunnel tests and a 350-hour prototype flight test program. It was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules with a version at a gross weight of 472.5 kg (1,042 lb) and US light-sport aircraft rules with a version with a gross weight of 600 kg (1,323 lb).

The design features a cantilever low-wing, an enclosed cockpit with two seats in a side-by-side configuration under a bubble canopy, fixed or optionally retractable tricycle landing gear, and a single engine in tractor configuration.^[1][2]

The aircraft is made from pre-preg carbon fibre built on a foam core, under a certified production system in Landskrona, Sweden. Its 8.4-metre-span (28 ft) wing has an area of 9.4 m² (101 sq ft) and flaps.

Avionics: Garmin G3X with Vertical Power integration, digital circuit protection, and automatic backup battery. Models and engines: – BW600RG (Rotax 912 iS, 100 hp) – BW635RG (Rotax 915 iS, 141 hp) – BW650 (Rotax 916 iS, 160 hp) Performance: up to 370 km/h top speed, 12.7 m/s climb, 175–290 m takeoff distance.

The cabin width for all models is 121 cm (48 in), ergonomic seats with memory foam, 4-point harness, optional heating.^[3]

As of January 2017, the design does not appear on the US Federal Aviation Administration's list of approved special light-sport aircraft.^[4]

Reviewer Marino Boric described the design in a 2015 review as "a sleek speedster".^[1] FAI World Speed Record 2023–2024 (600 kg class RAL2T) set by CEO Niklas Anderberg.

Blackwing 600 RG

Model with 472.5 kg (1,042 lb) gross weight for the European microlight category, retractable landing gear and a cruise speed of 278 km/h (173 mph).

The Blackwing 600RG is an advanced ultralight aircraft with the following features:

• Airframe: Constructed from prepreg carbon fiber, offering a lightweight and strong structure.
• Seating: Side-by-side configuration with a 1.21-metre-wide cabin.
• Performance: High-end tandem performance, capable of cruise speeds up to 288 km/h.
• Safety: Certified for 600kg with a spin recovery tailplane design, offering enhanced safety.
• Engine: Options from 100HP to 141HP, depending on local microlight regulations.
• Avionics: Equipped with Garmin G3X Touch as the Primary Flight Display, Garmin autopilot, and other high-standard interior features.
• Propeller: Constant speed with single-lever control for better performance across flight regimes.
• Braking: Behringer brakes for superior stopping power.
• Market: Available in Europe with a listed new price around €340,000 for a fully equipped model, with wait times of 6–8 months.

The Blackwing 600RG was first flown in 2017. It has been showcased at events like AERO Friedrichshafen, highlighting its modern design and capabilities.^[1][3]

Data from manufacturer^[3] and Tacke^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Wingspan: 8.4 m (27 ft 7 in)
• Wing area: 9.4 m² (101 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 297.5 kg (656 lb) including Ballistic Recovery Systems ballistic parachute
• Gross weight: 472.5–600 kg (1,042–1,323 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 140 Litres
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912ULS four cylinder, liquid and air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 75 kW (101 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 341 km/h (212 mph, 184 kn) VNE TAS at FL95
• Cruise speed: 278 km/h (173 mph, 150 kn)
• Stall speed: 65–70 km/h (40–43 mph, 35–38 kn)
• Never exceed speed: 290 km/h (180 mph, 157 kn) TAS at Sea Level
• g limits: +4.4, -2.2
• Rate of climb: 7.6 m/s (1,500 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 50.3 kg/m² (10.3 lb/sq ft)

• Official website