Hornet Stol

The HORNETSTOL is a fully enclosed roomy two seat aircraft designed to meet the toughest demands of professional or recreational flying. The HORNET STOL was designed and has been manufactured by a dedicated team at Australian Aircraft Kits since 2003 and has been in popular demand since. At the first public debut of the HORNET STOL in 2004 at NATFLY its designer Ole Hartmann was awarded the title “Most Innovative Ultralight Design 2004” by the Australian Ultralight Federation (now Recreational Aviation Australia). The HORNET STOL has become the most modern and unique full metal two seat bush plane designed and manufactured in Australia. It is widely used as an airborne utility vehicle for recreational and bush pilots. The HORNET STOL has quickly proven ideal for mustering, prospecting, pipe line and fence inspections, hunting and fishing, bore runs and property management, aerial baiting etc. leaving many other aircraft types outclassed. The is in a class of its own with respect to visibility, maneuverability, safety, easy STOL operation and docile handling, low operating/maintenance costs in combination with a long service life airframe. The HORNET STOL is very agile S T O L performer due to its good power to weight ratio, its high lift wing and large area control surfaces, high wing loading and exceptional rate of climb. Smooth, easy precise controls throughout its entire speed range of 30 kn to 90 kn make it a very positive, crisp and responsive aircraft willing to instantly follow control inputs precisely. The aircraft’s docility shows in being able to safely cross control it and operate safely on crosswind situations.

KEY POINTS FOR THE OPERATOR:

• Safe, versatile and easy to fly utility light aircraft
• Low acquisition costs
• Low operating costs
• Low maintenance costs on airframe and all systems
• Local manufacturer, providing parts and services
• Can be piloted by RAA or GA –VH license holder
• Superior service, fast and reliable technical support Australia wide.

KEY POINTS FOR THE PILOT AND PASSENGER:

• Agile performing aircraft with 100 hp – 150hp motorization
• Crisp and delightful easy controls for long hours in the cockpit
• Roomy two seat side by side (or tandem) cockpit with outstanding visibility and ergonomics
• Docile and forgiving flight handling matched with highly responsive and effective controls ideal for mustering
  operations and property management
• Excellent S T O L performance
• Extra large cargo area with access door
• Integrated chrome-molly steel cage for strength and safety
• Airframe and controls designed for minimum maintenance requirements
• Full metal airframe using certified materials acquired and manufactured in Australia
• Rugged undercarriage for operation from rough terrain with wheel sizes available from 8”x 6”standard up to 29” x 6”
  low pressure with heavy- duty brakes system.
• Removable doors, for flying in hot conditions.
• Hard points for external cargo, wings and fuselage (see pictures)
• External and internal long range tanks (see specifications).

Additional equipment or optional layout: seeder tanks & spreaders, fence-post carrier compartments, auxiliary refueling pump systems, mustering sirens and wailers, GPS tracking, safety gear, large Flaps and Ailerons for very slow flight envelope, large wheels Alaskan Bush wheels and much more.

The HORNET STOL is an affordable and exciting STOL aircraft. The durable construction and clean design make this versatile aircraft an everyday favorite.

HORNET STOL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

The aircraft has been designed to sustain the harsh outdoor environment of Australia and the rugged environment it is operating in.

Traditional and proven materials such as chrome moly tubing and plating 4130N grade and 6061T6 & 2024T3 alloys are used in the entire construction of the aircraft. All materials used are certified and obtained from Australian companies.

The fuselage

is built around a steel safety cage centre section. Alloy skins are joined in a conventional riveted method to the center section steel cage and reinforce the center fuselage with the wing, strut, undercarriage and engine mounting points all built into the steel structure. A semi monocoque alloy stringer and stressed alloy skin construction makes up the strong tail section of the fuselage. All components such as wings, rudder, elevators etc. are quickly removable for transport, storage or repair. The pilot and passenger area has been designed for maximum safety and provides both the pilot and passenger with superior visibility. The fuselage has been tailored for big pilots. It is 1100mm (42 inches) wide and 1200mm (48 inches) high internally, fitted with large windscreen and 3 removable doors / emergency exits. The cargo area is very large and can be loaded with up to 35kg (93pounds).

The wings

are built in a proven alloy rib and alloy spar method, covered with stressed alloy skins and fitted with self contained pressure tested alloy fuel tanks containing 60L each per wing. The wings are braced by two strong struts to withstand very high loads. The wing design is a high lift wing airfoil with conventional flap and ailerons or optional flaperons.

The metal aileron and flap

are designed for superior effectiveness, docile and forgiving stall behavior of the aircraft at critical speeds and attitudes.
The ailerons and flaps are directly controlled from the centre fuselage control mixer and require less maintenance, are quickly accessible for checking controls and bell cranks in the wings.

The control system

is a push-pull rod system made from high grade chrome molly steel tubing, assembled with standard bearings and rod ends for low maintenance and quick replacement if required. The Hornets push-pull rod control systems deliver smooth feedback from the control surfaces and allow for optimal adjustment of travel ratios on the controls. All controls are easy and quickly accessible for inspection or maintenance as required.

Elevator and rudder

have been designed extra strong, to sustain the harsh treatment of being fitted at the tail end of the aircraft, withstanding impact and exposure to high grass, rocks and sticks, dust, sand and other forms of propeller wash induced damage. The control surface area is very large and will surprise with its responsiveness and agility when flying or taxing.

Power plant

for the HORNET STOL has been determined after experimenting with several different engine units in the field. It was quickly established that the ROTAX series of 912 ULS 100hp (LSA approved) and the 914 Turbo 115hp and 915is (LSA approved) engines provide the best power to weight ratio combined with a very high reliability and low fuel consumption at 15-22 ltr/hour (on MOGAS or AVGAS). Engines are optional and firewall forward kits are provided and installed as requested. Please view the pricing pricing on request.

LEARNING TO FLY A HORNET STOL

If you are a trail dragger Pilot , you will most likely go solo in an hour or two. The HORNET STOL is an honest tail dragger, docile, forgiving and probably the easiest tail wheel aircraft you can get. “Three pointers” or “wheeling it on” landings are no secret and there are no surprises. No matter how you do it, you will experience positive tracking down the strip or chosen take off or landing path. The aircraft has no tendency to ground loop.

If you have never flown a tail wheel aircraft, there is nothing better than getting started with this one. The HORNETSTOL is designed for rugged terrain, and since take offs and landings are so effortless it can be mastered quickly and accurately. This is an aircraft that builds appreciation for stick and rudder flying. It provides a challenge within easy reach, and offers docility making flying fun and exciting. HORNETSTOL pilots make better pilots with higher proficiency levels and more refined skills.