Comco Ikarus C42
Comco Ikarus · Germany · first flew 1996 · light aircraft
The Comco Ikarus C42 is a German microlight and light sport aircraft widely used for flight training and touring, featuring a high strut-braced wing and side-by-side seating. Its simple construction and docile handling have made it one of the most popular microlight types in Europe.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Strut-braced fabric-covered wing and steel-tube fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Microlight / light sport aircraft with high straight wing
- Strut-braced fabric-covered wing and steel-tube fuselage
- Side-by-side two-seat cockpit with large clear doors
High-wing strut-braced monoplane with a tricycle undercarriage, large glazed side doors, and a Rotax engine — broadly similar to other European microlights but notably clean in execution.
Specifications
- The Comco Ikarus C42 has a length of 6.2 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.45 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 170 km/h (106 mph).
- Typical crew: 1–2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1996, the C42 was developed by Comco Ikarus of Germany and quickly gained approval across European microlight categories. It entered volume production and has been continuously developed with improved engines and avionics.
Variants
Multiple variants exist including the C42 B, C42 C, and updated versions with Rotax 912 or 912 ULS engines; special versions include floatplane configurations.
Where you'll see it
Extremely widely used across Europe, particularly in the UK where it is one of the most common microlight training aircraft; also operates in Australia and other markets.
Related aircraft
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