Photograph:
BRM Aero Bristell 24-8588 (c/n 129/2015) at Narromine, NSW in October 2016 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Czech Republic
Description:
Two-seat touring and training monoplane
Power Plant:
One 86 kw (115 hp) Rotax 914 Turbo four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-and-liquid-cooled engine
Specifications:
- [Bristell UL / LSA]
- Wingspan: 9.13 m (29 ft 10 in)
- Length: 6.45 m (21 ft)
- Height: 2.28 m (7 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 11.75 m² (126.48 sq ft)
- Max speed [VNE]: 290 km/h (180 mph)
- Cruising speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Stalling speed without flaps: 74 km/h (46 mph)
- Stalling speed with flaps: 58 km/h (36 mph)
- Max manoeuvring speed: 165 km/h (104 mph)
- Range no reserves: 1,551 km (964 miles)
- Fuel capacity: 130 litres (28.6 Imp gals)
- Empty weight: 330 kg (728 lb)
- Useful load: 270 kg (595 lb)
- Loaded weight: 600 kg (1,333 lb)
History:
This series of light aircraft was designed by BRM Aero Sro in the Czech Republic to meet world LSA regulations, and was aimed at the flight training school, glider towing and recreational flying markets. It was built in a number of models, the NG-5 series being supplied as the Bristell HD, Bristell RG with a retractable undercarriage, and Bristell LSA. The HD variant offered heavy duty wing spars to make cross-country flights safer in extreme weather conditions.
A number of engines were available in the aircraft, including the 60 kw (80 hp) Rotax 912UL, the 80 kw (100 hp) Rotax 912ULS, the 63 kw (85 hp) Jabiru 2200 and the 93 kw (125 hp) Jabiru 3300. Three variants became available, the BRM Bristell UL / LSA and Bristell RG with 9.13 m (29 ft 10 in) wingspans, and the Bristell UL with an 8.13 m (26 ft 7 in) wingspan.
The first of the type seen in this region was imported early in 2011. At that time the manufacturer announced it was ceasing production of the NG-4 in favour of the refined and up-dated NG-5. The type has been supplied around the world, including to a flight school at Sama in Russia.
In March 2011 Aerosport Aviation Pty Ltd secured distributorship of the type for Australia and New Zealand, this company operating from Sunbury Airfield in Melbourne, VIC. The type was launched in Australia at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon, VIC in March 2011, first of the type registered under RAA Regulations becoming 24-7727.
The type has continued to be developed, one model becoming the Fastback Carbon TDO with a tailwheel undercarriage, this also being available with a tow hook as an option, tundra tyres, wingroot lockers capable of carrying 20 kg (45 lb) without affecting the centre of gravity, with the standard baggage area behind the seats; and a fuel-injected Rotax 912iS engine or the Rotax 914 turbocharged unit. The Jabiru 3300 engine was also available.
By early 2016 BRM had introduced a tailwheel example to the range, the first of this model registered in Australia becoming 24-8698.
In mid 2017 Soar Aviation Aircraft Holdings of Moorabbin, VIC obtained four examples of the S-LSA for its flying school, these aircraft being registered on 23 August 2017 as VH-YUE (c/n 269), VH-YUU (c/n 274), VH-YUV (c/n 280) and VH-YUW (c/n 282).
A Bristell RG became VH-YWY (c/n 088) in Western Australia on 21 October 2019. ]
A number of examples have been registered with Recreation Aviation Australia and a number have been registered in New Zealand.