Photograph:
AAW J-6 Karatoo 19-4219 (c/n 635K) at Watts Bridge, QLD (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Two-seat light cabin monoplane
Power Plant:
One 39 kw (52 hp) Rotax 503 two-cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled engine; or
One 48 kw (65 hp) Subaru EA81 1800 cc four-cylinder air-cooled engine; or
One 48 kw (65 hp) Volkswagen four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 9.9 m (32 ft 5 ½ in)
- Length: 6 m (20 ft)
- Height: 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 13.56 m² (146 sq ft)
- Max speed: 165 km/h (103 mph)
- Cruising speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
- Stalling speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Rate of climb: 198 m/min (650 ft/min)
- Range: 580 km (360 miles)
- Service ceiling: 3,200 m (10,500 ft)
- Empty weight: 272 kg (600 lb)
- Loaded weight: 408 kg (900 lb)
History:
The J-6 Karatoo was one of a range of ultralight aircraft imported by the Australian Aircraft Works [AAW] of Donvale, VIC from Grover Aircraft in Hendersonville, North Carolina, USA. However, this model differed from others in the range in being available in both the ultralight category or in the registered amateur-built category.
The J-6 was a high-wing strut-braced monoplane of conventional tailwheel configuration, providing side-by-side seating for two in an enclosed cockpit. An area behind the cockpit was provided for baggage, and it was built with folding wings for easy storage and towing.
The prototype, designed by Jesse Anglin, was built as an ultralight and flew for the first time in 1985, production commencing later that year. The Rotax 503 series engine was normally fitted in the homebuilt category, but one of the well-known Volkswagen conversions could be fitted, or the Subaru EA-81 unit. Design load factor was +5 / -3.5G.
At the EAA event at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA in 1985 the aircraft won the “Outstanding New Homebuilt Design” award. Construction of the fuselage was of welded steel tube with metal and fabric covering, the wing being of spruce with fabric covering.
A number of models were available, the Model B having a more powerful engine, more fuel, a wider and longer fuselage, and an improved suspension. The Model C had a number of improvements made by AAW to make it more comfortable, the fuselage being longer and wider, having more leg room, the undercarriage being re-designed, and the tail being raised to enhance STOL operations. Engines up to 93 kw (125 hp) could be fitted, particularly the Subaru EA-81 with an AMAX reduction drive.
The type proved popular, the first of the type to be registered in Australia on the general aviation register being VH-KNR (c/n V97) on 24 May 1989. Others have been placed on the RAA Register.
Kiwi Karatoo Aircraft was the New Zealand agent for the J-6 CUL series.