What are Trikes?

The FAA has defined three categories of powered light sport aircraft: light airplanes, Trikes or “weight-shift” aircraft, and power parachutes. These are light weight, two seat (pilot & passenger) aircraft that fly relatively slowly (25 to 115 mph). Compared to conventional airplanes (Cessnas, Pipers, and the like) they are very inexpensive to buy, operate, and maintain. Read on ...

Why Buy AirBorne?

Before introducing AirBorne trikes let's spend a few moments talking about "why buy AirBorne"? We've produced a buyer's guide with the details but the summary follows:

AirBorne trikes are independently certified by the Australian FAA (CASA) as SLSA compliant and the XT-912 series has been further type certified as Primary Category aircraft -- the only trike manufacturer to reach that level of certification.
AirBornes are among the easiest to assemble -- 1 person can comfortably assemble or disassemble an AirBorne in 35-45 minutes.
AirBorne wings are assembled on the control frame instead of flat on the ground like many of our competitors thereby protecting the wing from dirt and damage.
AirBorne wings are the easiest to trim and tune.
AirBorne is the largest and oldest trike manufacturer in the world. They will still be in business when you need support.
AirBorne has the largest and best trained dealer network in the country (but we are always looking for more -- contact us if you are interested).
AirBorne dealers are all trainers. They will not only make sure you get the right trike for your flying desires but will ensure you are properly trained. And Precision Windsports offers concentrated training to get you flying in days instead of weeks or months.

AirBorne Models

AirBorne currently makes 10 trike models and six wings -- nine two-seat, SLSA compliant and FAA registerable and one Part 103 Ultralight (ultralights do not require a license and registration to fly). In addition, all models are now available as ELSA kits. Wings and trikes can be paired to each other depending on the type of flying you intend to do.

Trike Models

XT Series (Rotax 912 4-strokes and 582 2-strokes)
- XT-Outback
- XT-Tourer
- XT-Tundra
T-Lite Part 103 (Ultralight)

We've put together a chart that compares the specification of our most popular models. You'll find it at Comparative Specifications.

Wings

The Wizard wing is AirBorne's high lift wing used for slower flying and taking off of and landing on short fields. This wing is approved for the Edge X series of trikes (Redback, Outback, and Classic). It is not approved for use on the XT series.

The Merlin wing combines the high lift low speed of the Wizard with the superior turbulence handling characteristics of the Cruze and Streak wings. The Merlin will be AirBorne's premier hang-gliding tow wing. This wing is approved for use on the XT series of trikes.

The Cruze wing is a mid-range wing and an excellent compromise between the slow takeoff/landing speed of the Merlin and the faster cross-country capabilities of the Streak wing. This wing is approved for the XT Series of trikes.

The Streak wing is the all around touring wing. It is almost twice as fast as the Wizard and comes standard on AirBorne's high end trike -- the XT-912 Tourer and Tundra. The Streak-2b version is approved for use on the X series Classic and Outback. The Streak-3 version is approved for the XT series 912 powered trikes only.

Airborne introduced the SST the 2009 Sun 'N Fun show. This is the fastest wing with a hands-off cruise speed of 85 mph. But even more importantly, this is AirBorne's first topless (no kingpost) wing for trikes (they have made topless hang-glider wings for several years. This wing is for those who are serious about their cross country or want to extend their flying day well into the turbulent hours of the day. The SST is approved for the XT-912 trikes only.

For a brochure on AirBorne wings click here ...

Contents:

What are Trikes?

Why Buy AirBorne?

AirBorne Models

Trike Models

Wings