ABOVE: The Rotax 916iS-powered Bristell B23 is now being offered as a glider tug
BRM Aero recently received EASA approval for its Bristell B23 two-seater to be fitted with the 160hp turbocharged Rotax 916iS engine. This is the world’s first CS-23 certified aircraft to be fitted with a 916iS. The approval makes the B23-916iS the most powerful version in the B23 range and significantly expands the aircraft’s capabilities, allowing it to be used for towing sailplanes and high-altitude operations, as well as being a fine trainer and practical tourer.
Being turbocharged, the 916iS can deliver its maximum rated power at altitude. In the B23 the 916iS engine provides a certified operating altitude of FL180 and a maximum sailplane towing mass of 850kg. BRM Aero claims a takeoff roll of 153m and only 286m to clear a 50ft obstacle under ISA conditions. Martin Bristela, BRM Aero’s CEO, said the approval emphasises the flexibility of the B23, and added: “From the beginning, we designed the B23 as a universal aircraft that can grow with our customers’ needs. With EASA approval of the 916iS configuration, operators can now choose a performance level that suits everything from cost-effective training to demanding towing and high-altitude missions.”
An all-metal two-seater, the B23 features a 130cm-wide cockpit with Garmin avionics as standard. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 750kg, with a useful load of 280kg depending on configuration. Alongside the 916iS version, it is also available with the Rotax 912iS (100 hp) and 915iS (141hp) engines, including an IFR-capable variant of the 915iS powered version.
More than 1,100 Bristell aircraft have been delivered worldwide since 2009.
PHOTO: BRM AERO
