Photograph:
Locke Himax Minitwin II ZK-DBL (c/n DBL4) at Black Sands in 2005 (Keith Morris – NZCIVAIR)
Country of origin:
New Zealand
Description:
Single-seat light sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 47 kw (63 hp) Suzuki three-cylinder 657 cc liquid cooled engine
Specifications:
- [Minitwin II]
- Max cruising speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
- Empty weight: 286 kg (630 lb)
- Loaded weight: 485 kg (1,070 lb)
History:
Two examples of this ultralight aircraft have been completed in New Zealand and commenced life as kits for the Team Himax but were extensively modified during construction. The first completed was ZK-JEB (c/n DBL3) built by David Boehm Locke. It was first registered on 13 May 1996 and was powered by a 34 kw (45 hp) Zenoah engine. It was successful but was a little slow for cross-country work. Mr Locke then designed and built the Minitwin Mk II and it was eventually sold, the aircraft moving to Auckland and eventually to Rangiora where it suffered engine problems and was damaged on 8 December 2005. It was repaired and subsequently had owners at Fairlie and later Karamea.
The Minitwin Mk II became ZK-DBL² (c/n DBL4) being completed and first registered on 10 May 2001. It differed from the earlier model in having a 47 kw (63 hp) at 6,500 rpm 12-valve 657 cc three-cylinder double-overhead-cam liquid cooled turbocharged and intercooled Suzuki engine which had previously been installed in a Cappucino Sports car, driving the propeller through a 3:1 reduction gearbox designed by Mr Locke. Both aircraft survived in 2015.