BravoFox, which was named the official US distributor for Blackshape sales and maintenance late last year, took the stage during the pre-SUN ‘n FUN Innovation Preview on March 31 to showcase their aircraft offerings. The distributor is currently offering one design, the Prime, with the Gabriel soon to join its collection.
“I just want to say so much thanks to the team for having us,” expressed Kristina Kalchev, Director of Media and Marketing for BravoFox. “This is our first year here at SUN ‘n FUN, and it's the first year that we are introducing the Prime to the United States.”
The Prime hit the international market in 2012 with the 100-hp Rotax 912. This part of the design has undergone several changes since its debut, arriving at SUN ‘n FUN 2025 with the 141-hp Rotax 915 and soon-to-be 160-hp Rotax 916 iS. The aircraft is created for versatility, being configurable even up to IFR standards using a Garmin or Dynon-based flight deck. It is a fully carbon fiber airframe using autoclave construction, giving additional structural integrity over the wet layering method.
The bird may have a US distributor, but it does not yet hold a US certificate due to its retractable gear and an in-flight adjustable propeller. If the expected Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) standards are upheld, however, the aircraft will be ready to go once the ruling is in place.
Blackshape’s other design has no need to wait, securing FAA certification in June 2024. The Gabriel is a slightly larger and heavier version of the Prime that is available as a certified or experimental aircraft. It has similar performance, using either a 160 hp Lycoming IO320 or a Rotax 916 iS, but is geared towards flight training operations.
“There is no other country with a richer aviation heritage than the United States and a premium brand like Blackshape will definitely emerge also in this market thanks to an ideal partner such as BravoFox,” read a statement from Blackshape CEO Niccolò Chierroni. “With the arrival of their new Blackshape Prime demonstrator, we anticipate a significant boost in our sales performance across the USA.”
Blackshape is showcasing its collection at Booth LP-063 in Paradise City as part of the 51st annual SUN ‘n FUN aerospace expo in Lakeland, Florida.
