The BushCat is a robust and reliable two-seater high-wing aircraft with unique capabilities. Offered at a rather attractive price of $65,000, it is available both assembled and in kit form, making it a highly accessible option for enthusiasts.
This light sport aircraft was developed based on the French Best Off Skyranger by designer Vladimir Chechin, who resides in Gauteng, South Africa. Originally known as the Rainbow Cheetah model, the BushCat is now manufactured by the South African company SkyReach.
Innovative Design and Features
The BushCat is a two-seater (one pilot, one passenger) high-wing aircraft with non-retractable landing gear. The modernization introduced only minor structural changes, amounting to just 5% of the original design. However, the aircraft received a stronger landing gear design, now featuring a nose wheel, a hydraulic handbrake, and new wheels for enhanced safety and control.
The fuselage is still constructed from aluminum tubes covered with “tear-resistant” Trylam fabric, ensuring both durability and a light structure. Weighing 560 kg, and compatible with a range of powerful engines (Rotax 582, Rotax 912UL, Rotax 912ULS, or Jabiru 2200) and a Sensenich wooden propeller, it achieves high flight performance characteristics.
The aircraft features controls that allow both pilots to operate it, with a single control stick located centrally between the pilots in a tandem seating arrangement. It complies with LSA criteria, and recently, the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight was increased from 1,245 to 1,320 pounds due to enhanced wing structure strength.
Superior Handling and Safety
The control system includes trimmers for the elevator and ailerons, contributing to a precise piloting experience. The takeoff speed is comparatively low, approximately 75 km/h at maximum weight and high ambient temperatures, while the optimal approach speed is 111 km/h.
Its light and responsive control allows for purely intuitive piloting, surpassing the Cessna 152 in this regard, according to specialists. Large rudder surfaces and responsive ailerons effortlessly counter wind gusts. Some pilots have reported successful BushCat landings in crosswinds of up to 15 m/s, showcasing its exceptional stability.
The BushCat has undergone an intensive stall test program, and its declared operational G-load range is from -4 to +6g, emphasizing its robust structural integrity and safety. With a full fuel tank (100 L), the aircraft’s useful load is 465 pounds; with 25 gallons of fuel, it increases to 617 pounds.
This means that with two pilots weighing a total of 200 pounds, it can carry up to 65 pounds of baggage. Considering its cost, this payload capacity makes it a very advantageous proposition for various operations.
Performance and Versatility
The landing gear struts are now sprung, with aluminum springs providing more comfort on soft ground. The maximum flight speed with a 100-hp engine is 177 km/h, and the climb rate is 4.6 m/s – modest figures, but quite sufficient for recreational and outdoor flights.
However, its stall speed is only 64 km/h (56 km/h with flaps extended), which makes it safe and easy to control during landing, even for less experienced pilots. Additionally, it boasts an aerodynamic quality (glide ratio) of 10, representing another significant advantage.
Another plus is its potential for use in an amphibious variant with Clamar 1400 floats. Currently, approximately 160 units are flying in various countries, a testament to its global popularity and reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | BushCat |
| Wingspan, m | 9.60 |
| Length, m | 5.70 |
| Height, m | 2.30 |
| Wing area, m2 | 13.58 |
| Empty weight | 320 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 560 |
| Fuel, l | 94 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Rotax 912ULS |
| Power, hp | 1 x 100 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 201 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 169 |
| Practical range, km | 1080 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 366 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 4300 |
| Max. operational G-load | 6 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the BushCat
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