FUEL SYSTEM

The standard fuel system in the Nynja constitutes a fuel tank behind the seats. Recently, Flylight has begun to offer a wing tank option. This option seeks to replace, rather than supplement, the original tank – in order to increase baggage space behind the seats.

Our plan is install both – and actually increase the size of both. The standard maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of a microlight in the UK is 600kg. We intend to increase the size of both tanks so that, with a single occupant and full fuel tanks, the aircraft will be at that limit. This will constitute an increase in fuel carrying capacity of around 140 litres – substantially increasing the “standard” range of the aircraft.

For the uber-long-range legs (across the Pacific), we will then supplement this standard capacity by the temporary installation of a “ferry tank” – which will take the place of the passenger seat. This will further increase the fuel capacity by around 120 litres, to give the aircraft an approximate endurance of a staggering 24 hours. Not bad for a microlight, eh?

ENGINE

At the moment, most Skyrangers are matched with a Rotax 912 ULS. This is a carbureted engine, which has been installed in thousands of aircraft all over the world, and proven itself to be a thoroughly robust and reliable engine. Just like in cars, however, fuel injection is the future – and aviation is slowly catching up. We intend to install a Rotax 912 IS in our Nynja. This engine is closely related to its carbureted brother; similarly, it has already proven itself to be an extremely safe and reliable engine. Crucially for us, it is more fuel efficient. Despite the increase in take-off weight we will be required to employ on our trip, we hope to keep our fuel burn incredibly low. This, in part, will help improve the endurance of our aircraft.

AVIONICS

As a kit-build, it is up to the owner/builder to choose their avionics. We have two priorities. The first is to ensure that we have the equipment we need to safely circumnavigate the globe. The second is to keep the weight down.