The quest for the ultimate adventure in the skies has led many to the exhilarating world of microlighting, a new aircraft within aviation categories, offering way afors and personalised ...
06Oct
Shark Aero Shark Overview
The Shark Aero Shark is an advanced, high-performance ultralight and light sport aircraft (LSA) designed for speed, efficiency, and aerodynamic excellence. Manufactured by Shark Aero, the aircraft is known for its sleek carbon-fiber construction, powerful Rotax engine options, and impressive cruise speed, making it one of the fastest LSAs available today.
With its streamlined design and tandem-seat configuration, the Shark is built for pilots who crave speed, efficiency, and modern flight technology. The aircraft holds several world records in its category, making it a top choice for those looking for a cutting-edge flying experience.
Description
The Shark Aero Shark is a two-seat, tandem ultralight/light sport aircraft made primarily from carbon-fiber composites, allowing for a lightweight yet incredibly strong airframe. The aircraft is designed for exceptional aerodynamics, featuring a bubble canopy for outstanding visibility, a narrow fuselage for reduced drag, and cantilevered wings that improve efficiency and performance.
Equipped with a Rotax 912 or 915iS engine, the Shark can achieve speeds unmatched in the ultralight and LSA categories. Its retractable landing gear (optional on certain models) further enhances aerodynamic efficiency, allowing it to cruise at high speeds while maintaining low fuel consumption.
With advanced avionics, digital cockpit options, and a ballistic parachute system, the Shark is built with both safety and performance in mind. Whether for long cross-country flights or recreational high-speed flying, the Shark Aero Shark is one of the most exciting aircraft in its class.
Specifications
| General Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Shark Aero |
| Role | Ultralight / Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) |
| Seating Capacity | 2 (Tandem Configuration) |
| Length | 21 ft 8 in (6.62 m) |
| Wingspan | 29 ft 6 in (9.0 m) |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.05 m) |
| Empty Weight | 639 lbs (290 kg) |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 1,234 lbs (560 kg) |
| Engine Options | Rotax 912 ULS (100 hp) / Rotax 915iS (141 hp) |
| Propeller | 3-blade constant-speed or fixed-pitch |
| Fuel Capacity | 26 gallons (100 liters) |
| Range | 870 nautical miles (1,610 km) |
| Cruise Speed | 150–170 knots (173–195 mph / 278–314 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | 190 knots (218 mph / 351 km/h) |
| Stall Speed (Flaps Down) | 39 knots (45 mph / 72 km/h) |
| Rate of Climb | 1,500 ft/min (457 m/min) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Takeoff Distance (50 ft obstacle) | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Landing Distance (50 ft obstacle) | 800 ft (244 m) |
Performance
The Shark Aero Shark is built for high-speed efficiency, making it one of the fastest aircraft in the ultralight and LSA categories. With its lightweight carbon-fiber frame, powerful Rotax engines, and aerodynamic design, the aircraft can reach speeds of up to 190 knots (218 mph).
Its exceptional fuel efficiency and low drag profile allow for a range of 870 nautical miles, making it ideal for long cross-country flights. The aircraft’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities allow it to operate from small airstrips, while its optional retractable landing gear improves aerodynamics for higher-speed cruising.
The Shark’s advanced avionics provide a glass cockpit experience, and its ballistic parachute system (BRS) adds an extra layer of safety. This aircraft is designed for pilots who demand speed, precision, and cutting-edge technology.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Shark Aero Shark?
The Shark is a high-performance ultralight and light sport aircraft known for its speed, efficiency, and modern design. - Who manufactures the Shark Aero Shark?
It is built by Shark Aero, a European company specializing in high-speed light sport aircraft. - How many seats does the Shark have?
The Shark has two seats in a tandem configuration (one behind the other). - What engine does the Shark use?
It can be equipped with a Rotax 912 (100 hp) or Rotax 915iS (141 hp) engine. - What is the cruise speed?
The cruise speed ranges from 150 to 170 knots (173–195 mph) depending on engine choice and conditions. - What is the maximum speed?
The Shark can reach speeds of 190 knots (218 mph), making it one of the fastest LSAs. - What is its range?
The Shark has a range of 870 nautical miles (1,610 km) on a full tank. - Does the Shark have retractable landing gear?
Yes, retractable landing gear is available as an option. - Is it easy to fly?
While the Shark is designed to be user-friendly, its higher speed requires experience compared to slower LSAs. - What type of fuel does it use?
It runs on automotive fuel (MOGAS) or aviation fuel (AVGAS). - What avionics does it have?
The Shark features modern glass cockpit avionics, including GPS and digital flight instruments. - Can it be used for aerobatics?
No, the Shark is not designed for aerobatic flying. - What is the stall speed?
The Shark stalls at 39 knots (45 mph) with flaps deployed. - Does it have a ballistic parachute?
Yes, a Ballistic Recovery System (BRS) is available for added safety. - Can it be flown at night?
It depends on country regulations and avionics configuration, but LSAs are typically restricted to daytime VFR flights. - What is its service ceiling?
The service ceiling is 15,000 feet. - What is its rate of climb?
The Shark climbs at 1,500 feet per minute, depending on weight and conditions. - Can the wings be folded for storage?
No, the wings are fixed and cannot be folded. - Is it available for purchase?
Yes, the Shark Aero Shark is available for order from Shark Aero. - How much does the Shark Aero Shark cost?
Prices vary, but the starting price is around $150,000 to $200,000, depending on options.
