Chuck Barth Provided Details Of 2-Seat Tandem Aircraft
The Aero-News Innovation Preview included a look at the Tarragon aircraft, a two-seat tandem aircraft constructed from advanced carbon fiber composite materials that can reach 200 knots with low fuel consumption of 6.6 gallons per hour.
The European ultralight aircraft was designed and built in Latvia. Barth and his partner are the U.S. manufacturers and distributors; they are based in Pekin, Ill. Barth said the fighter jet-style design gives pilots an experience similar to flying a jet. He described it as a combination of craftsmanship, cutting-edge innovation and engineering excellence.
His company in Illinois imports, assembles and test flies each aircraft and described it “as the most amazing airplane I have ever seen. It flies more like a jet.” Stall speed is extremely slow, and the aircraft also has a ballistic parachute that can deploy in case of emergency up to a speed of 205 knots. The hydraulic landing gear extends or retracts in 5 seconds.
The one-piece wing consists of two spars and provides strength and safety for the pilot. It is full pre-preg carbon fiber construction. The aircraft is built entirely from aerospace-grade pre-preg carbon fiber, ensuring strength and lightness, with an empty weight of 937 lbs. Powered by the 160 hp Rotax 916 engine, the aircraft achieves a cruise speed of 192 knots at FL180 with 80% power settings. The aircraft can operate on both Mogas and 100LL, with a fuel consumption rate of 6.6 gal per hour in cruise.
