The Texan is an Italian ultralight and light-sport aircraft, designed and now produced by Gryphen Aircraft Industries Srl (ex- Fly Synthesis) and which has been in production since 1999. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1][2]
The aircraft is made from carbon fibre. Its 8.60 m (28.2 ft) span wing has an area of 11.80 m2 (127.0 sq ft) and flaps. Standard engines available are the 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL, the 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS and the 85 hp (63 kW) Jabiru 2200four-stroke powerplants.[1][2]
In 2022 a new version of the TEXAN was introduced, with retractable gear and Rotax 915 engine, producing 141HP
Operational history
On 23 November 2013, six Texans broke the Guinness world record for the lowest flying formation by flying at 422 m (1,385 ft) below sea level at the Dead Sea in Israel.[3]
Variants
Texan GTR 915
Texan 600
Version with a gross weight of 600 kg (1,323 lb) and with fixed landing gear, for the United States light-sport aircraft class. Known as the Lafayette Texan in the US.[1][2]
Texan Top Class
Version with a gross weight of 472.5 kg (1,042 lb) and with fixed landing gear, for the European microlight aircraft class.[1][2]
Texan Club
Version of the Texan Top Class with a gross weight of 472.5 kg (1,042 lb), with fixed landing gear and equipped with an 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL engine for the European microlight aircraft class.[1][2]
Texan RG
Version of the Texan Top Class with a gross weight of 600 kg (1,323 lb) and retractable landing gear for the European microlight aircraft class.[1][2]
