Czech traditional producer JIHLAVAN airplanes announced today the introduction of a new mid-line model of ultralight / light sport aircraft, the SKYLEADER 400. A sleek sports car inspired design with new features such as side opening canopy, aggressive cowling and easily maneuverable landing gear appeals directly to sport aviation enthusiasts. The SKYLEADER 400 adds to the existing production portfolio family, consisting of 5 aircraft types, next tradition of Safety, Prestige and Emotion.The first fully flyable red racing color scheme prototype SKYLEADER 400 will be present next week at Aero Friedrichshafen, Germany, April 24-27, 2013.

The new aircraft was already quietly unveiled during SKYLEADER Day – a private event for a selected group of distributors, clients and local press in the home location of the factory, Jihlava town, July 14, 2012. Since this in-flight presentation of the first prototype the factory has worked intensively on the implementation of ideas raised during unveiling, type certification and serial production preparation. Orders will be accepted from April 24, 2013.

SKYLEADER 400 is a two-seat, low-wing, all-metal construction with newly designed and shortened fuselage, using trapezoid wings from SKYLEADER 600 type, integrating total 120l fuel tanks allowing in-flight endurance of more than 7+h with a range of 1,500+km without refueling. Prototype was designed & produced in record time of less than 2 years.

Customers will be able to choose from three equipment packages, starting from analogue panel with Rotax 912 UL 80HP engine, up to full glass cockpit and Rotax 912iS 100HP fuel injection or 914UL turbocharged engines. Price will be competitive to market standards.