Anglin J6 Karatoo

Design and development

The aircraft features a strut-braced high-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit with doors, fixed conventional landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.

The aircraft fuselage is made from welded 4130 steel tubing, with its wings usually made with a wooden structure, all covered in doped aircraft fabric. Its 32.5 ft (9.9 m) span wing employs a Clark Y airfoil, has an area of 146 sq ft (13.6 m²) and optional flaps. The wing is supported by V-struts and jury struts and is constructed with marine plywood ribs and a D-cell leading edge, although a metal wing was under development. Wing folding for ground transport or storage is optional. Floats for water operations are an option.

The Karatoo can accept engines in the range of 50 to 100 hp (37 to 75 kW), depending on the model. Engines used include the 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 and the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-strokes as well as the 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL, the 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS, 85 hp (63 kW) Jabiru 2200, 71 to 100 hp (53 to 75 kW) Subaru EA engine, 90 hp (67 kW) Continental C-90 and the 100 hp (75 kW) Continental O-200A four-stroke powerplants.

In 1988 the J6 design was adapted to the Canadian ultralight rules as the Norman Aviation J6 Karatoo and, in 1990, as the Buzzman L'il Buzzard.

Operational history

In August 2012 there were 14 J6 Karatoos registered in the United States with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Amateur Built and light-sport categories.

Variants

J6A Karatoo

Initial model with a gross weight of 900 lb (410 kg), commonly powered by a 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503. The earliest versions had a solid spruce main spar and later a spruce I beam spar.

J6B Australian Karatoo

Improved model developed by Anglin in conjunction with Max Peters. The J6B has a gross weight of 1,200 lb (540 kg), strengthened landing gear, optional flaps and initially used a 71 to 100 hp (53 to 75 kW) Subaru EA engine automotive conversion powerplant.

J6C Australian Karatoo

Model with a gross weight of 1,200 lb (540 kg), a longer and wider fuselage, with a revised rear fuselage structure.

Specifications (Serenity J6B Australian Karatoo)

Data from Serenity Aviation

General characteristics

Crew: one

Capacity: one passenger

Length: 20 ft 0 in (6.10 m) including propeller and spinner

Wingspan: 32 ft 6 in (9.91 m)

Height: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)

Wing area: 146 sq ft (13.6 m²)

Empty weight: 580 lb (263 kg)

Gross weight: 1,200 lb (544 kg)

Fuel capacity: 52 litres (11 imp gal; 14 US gal)

Powerplant: 1 × Continental C-90 four cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 90 hp (67 kW)

Propellers: 2-bladed wooden

Performance

Maximum speed: 110 kn (127 mph; 204 km/h)

Cruise speed: 80 kn (92 mph; 148 km/h)

Stall speed: 40 kn (46 mph; 74 km/h) flaps down

Never exceed speed: 120 kn (138 mph; 222 km/h)

Rate of climb: 500 ft/min (2.5 m/s)

Wing loading: 8.2 lb/sq ft (40 kg/m²)