Russian Aviation Museum

The Coach / baby Dragon is a light light multi-purpose aircraft. It can be flown from land (wheels), snow (skis) or water (floats).Prototype A-23 (1992) with two RMZ-640 engines (replaced later by single 64hp Rotax-582) had narrow angular fuselage. It
served for four years in the pilot's club.

For series production more powerful Rotax-912 engine was chosen (while old engine is still available in the economy package). Cockpit width was increased to 760mm providing sufficient comfort for pilot. Both composite fuselage and wing are now made in
matrixes. Slab-type fiberglass tailplane unit was revised - raised to the top of the tailfin. This places tailplane into propeller airflow and improves efficiency. This is specially important for takeoff from unpaved airfields.
A-23M wings carry single flaperon each - there is no separation between aileron and landing flap. Expected simplification of design did not deliver - aerodynamic compensation required to add airdynamic large compensators. It is planned to install
separated flaps and ailerons in future revisions of the A-23 line.

First flight took place on August 5, 1999. A-23M prototype scored approximately 120 hours during Fall 1999. The only problem was insufficient compensation of large flaperons. Takeoff and landing were easy. Very good pilot's sight helps during landing
approach. it is much better than on aircraft with engine in front of cockpit.

As for many other Russian light aircraft, practical applications are considered. A-23M may be built (converted?) as a crop duster. Wheels, skis and floats are included in standard package.

Production was launched in winter 2000. First batch - 3 machines with different engines. Available as a kit.

On June 24, 2000 director of Aeroprakt-Samara I.A.Vakhrushev and co-pilot were killed in crash of the series A-23M. This happened on landing approach at Smyshliaevka airfield near Samara. Probable cause - tailplane flatter.


Type A-23 Coach / A-23M Baby Dragon
Function General
Year 1992 / 1999
Crew 1+1
Engine
Type RMZ-640 "Bouran" replaced by Rotax 582 / Rotax 952
Power (each) 64hp / 100hp
Size
Length ?m / 7.5m
Height ?m / 2.4m
Wingspan ?m / 9.8m
Wing area ?m2 / ?m2
Weight
Empty ?kg / 300kg
Maximum Takeoff kg / 600kg
Power load (kg/hp) ? / 6
Speed
Maximum sustained ?km/h / 180km/h
Cruise ?km/h / 130 to 150km/h
Range
Maximum ?km / 620 (1000) km
Payload
Fuel ?l / 75 (120)l
Total ?kg / 250kg
Price (Rotax-582) 25,000US$
Price (Rotax-912) 35,000US$
Unassembled kit 12,700US$