The Aero & Tech Nexth (or sometimes Next-H[2]) is an Italian ultralight aircraft designed by Morelli Luca[2] and produced by Aero & Tech of Fossato di Vico. Introduced at the Aero show held in Friedrichshafen in 2011, the aircraft is intended to be supplied as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft.[1][3]

Nexth
Nexth 9G
Role European FAI microlight class and light-sport aircraft[1]
National origin Italy[1]
Manufacturer Aero & Tech[1]
Designer Morelli Luca[2]
First flight February 2012[3]
Introduction 2011[1]
Status In production[2]

Design and development

edit

The Nexth complies with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules.[1][3] A later version will comply with US light-sport aircraft rules.[1][3]

The design features a cantilever mid-wing, two seats in side-by-side configuration, retractable tricycle landing gear made from titanium and a single 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS four cylinder, liquid and air-cooled, four stroke engine in tractor configuration. Cockpit access is by two gull wing doors hinged at the top.[1][3] The aircraft was designed to meet aerobatic category requirements, including +9 and -4.5 g.[3][4]

The aircraft fuselage is an aluminium sheet covered steel space frame, based on Formula One racing construction techniques. Its 7.90 m (25.9 ft) span wing employs winglets and flaps. Fuel is carried in a single fuselage tank and totals 130 litres (29 imp gal; 34 US gal), giving a range of over 1,700 km (1,056 mi).[1]

Marino Boric, writing in the World Directory of Leisure Aviation notes that the Nexth fuselage is an unusual multi-faceted shape reminiscent of stealth fighter design. The prototype was painted black, which adds to the resemblance.[1][3]

Specifications (Nexth)

edit

Data from Bayerl and Aero & Tech[1][4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 7.90 m (25 ft 11 in)
  • Wing area: 9.23 m2 (99.4 sq ft)
  • Gross weight: 472.5 kg (1,042 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 130 litres (29 imp gal; 34 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912ULS four cylinder, liquid and air-cooled, four stroke, 75 kW (101 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 240 km/h (150 mph, 130 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 225 km/h (140 mph, 121 kn)
  • Stall speed: 65 km/h (40 mph, 35 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 305 km/h (190 mph, 165 kn)
  • Range: 1,700 km (1,100 mi, 920 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
  • g limits: +9/-4.5
  • Rate of climb: 7.9 m/s (1,550 ft/min)

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 12. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b c d Vola il NEXT-H Biposto di Aero & Tech Archived 2015-02-09 at the Wayback Machine, Volare magazine n° 10, March 2012, (page needed)
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 12. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  4. ^ a b Aero & Tech (2011). "Why Nexth?". Retrieved 28 January 2015.
edit