Europa XS
Europa Aviation · United Kingdom · first flew 1992 · light aircraft
The Europa XS is a British composite kit aircraft offering high performance from a modest engine thanks to its very clean aerodynamics and light structure. It is notable for an optional monowheel undercarriage that reduces drag and weight.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | very slender tapered wing and smooth glassfibre fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- composite low-wing monoplane with optional monowheel undercarriage
- very slender tapered wing and smooth glassfibre fuselage
- distinctive narrow fuselage with side-by-side seating under a bubble canopy
The extremely slender fuselage, tapered composite wing, and optional single monowheel undercarriage are unique identifying features.
Specifications
- The Europa XS has a length of 5.84 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.08 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Europa Aviation of Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire launched the Europa in the early 1990s, with the XS (Extra Speed) variant refining the original design for improved performance. The all-composite construction requires careful building technique but rewards with a fast, efficient touring aircraft. Production kits were supplied until the company entered administration around 2000, though support continues from other vendors.
Variants
The Europa Classic uses a fixed monowheel undercarriage; the Europa XS adds a tri-gear option and minor aerodynamic improvements.
Where you'll see it
The Europa has a strong following in the UK LAA homebuilt community, where it is regarded as one of the most capable European-designed kit aircraft on the permit register.
Related aircraft
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