Photograph:
First Corby CM-2 Kestrel completed, ZK-SJM (c/n SP1234) at Ashburton, NZ in 2007 (NZCIVAIR)
Country of origin:
Australia
Description:
Single-seat light sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 63 kw (85 hp) Rotax 912 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed liquid-and-air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 5.64 m (18 ft 6 in)
- Length: 4.725 m (15 ft 8 in)
- Height: 1.52 m (5 ft)
- Wing area: 6.55 m² (70 sq ft)
- Max speed: 274 km/h (170 mph)
- Max cruising speed: 248 km/h (154 mph)
- Economical cruising speed: 232 km/h (144 mph)
- Max rate of climb: 427 m/min (1,400 ft/min)
- Stress factors: +6/-3G
- Fuel capacity: 60 litres (13 Imp gals)
- Empty weight: 227 kg (500 lb)
- Loaded weight [aerobatic]: 340 kg (750 lb)
- Loaded weight [country]: 363 kg (800 lb)
History:
After the success of the CJ-1 Starlet, John Corby re-designed the aircraft to be constructed in metal, the new model becoming known as the CM-2 Kestrel. A fter release of plans to home builders, construction of two examples commenced in New Zealand. Mr Corby stated the new design was sufficiently close to the Starlet to provide high confidence in its performance and flight characteristics, and it provided some features that builders might prefer to build in metal.
The width of the cockpit, the range, the all-up weight and the aerobatic capability were all increased, recommended power being in the range from 45 kw to 67 kw (60hp to 90 hp). He stated the CM-2 should be an impressive cross-country machine which also provided excellent aerobatic capability. A range of engines was available, including the Rotax 912 and the Jabiru 2200. The aircraft was made available in kit form.
First example CM-S Kestrel completed was ZK-SJM (c/n SP1234) in Dunedin, New Zealand. Plans were also in train to design and produce the CJ-3, a two-seat variant which would have some parts commonality with the CM-2.
First CM-2 Kestrel in Australia was VH-NBK³ (c/n 001) on 23 September 2013 to Dunn Aviation in Western Australia, previously flying in the United States as N10051, later being registered on 29 August 2013 to N Bell of Bunya, QLD. A further example became VH-CKJ (c/n 15) to its owner/builder at Caulfield North, VIC on 29 July 2020.