The Avenger was designed to meet the requirements of the United States FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles regulations, including the maximum 254 lb (115 kg) empty weight. Design goals included low cost, an attractive appearance, and accommodation for a 76 in (193 cm) tall, 240 lb (109 kg) pilot.[3]
Although originally designed to accept the Half VW powerplant (a Type 1 Volkswagen engine block cut in half), the aircraft empty weight can be reduced to 250 lb (113 kg) with the use of a lighter weight engine, such as the 28 hp (21 kW) Rotax 277 or the 35 hp (26 kW) 2SI 460-35. The Avenger was initially marketed with the now-discontinued Rotax 277 engine,[5] which was criticized as leaving the aircraft dangerously underpowered.[3]
Reviewer Andre Cliche says:
The Avenger is an experimental-class design that has been re-engined to fall under the ultralight regulations. For this purpose, a 28 hp Rotax 277 has been installed, thus allowing the weight to get lower than the 254 lbs. upper limit imposed on ultralights. This is technically feasible but the switch from a VW engine to a single cylinder Rotax also reduces the performance below a safe level. The rated 400 fpm rate of climb is barely adequate for safe operations. Put this machine in the wrong situation and it can bite you.[3]
Design
The Avenger structure is entirely constructed from wood, with a low wing braced to the landing gear. The wooden-framed wing is covered with aircraft fabric. The engine cowling is fibreglass. The conventional landing gear features a steerable tailwheel and main-gear suspension.[2][3]
The Avenger has an estimated construction time of 400 hours from the kit.[3][8]
In 2022 the kit price (without paint, varnish, pilot/passenger restraints, instruments, upholstery, or engine) was US$9320, with the plans selling for US$350.[6][7][9]
Recommended engines include the 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503, 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447, 35 hp (26 kW) 2SI 460-35 or 38 hp (28 kW) 1/2 VW.[5][7]
Operational history
In December 2004, the company reported that 50 Avengers were flying, the majority as US unregistered ultralights.[4]
Variants
Avenger
With a regular firewall for two-stroke engines. Engine options are 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447, 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503, or 28 hp (21 kW) Hirth F-33 or 35 hp (26 kW) 2SI 460-35. Thirty-five had been completed and flown by the end of 2011.[1][2][3][5][6][7]
Avenger V
With a 2" narrower firewall to accommodate VW engines. Engines include the 38 hp (28 kW) 1/2 VW and the 65 hp (48 kW) Volkswagen air-cooled engine. Thirty had been completed and flown by the end of 2011.[1][2][3][5]
Specifications (Avenger with Rotax 503)
Data from Cliche,[3] KitPlanes[2] and Fisher Flying Products[8]
