Blackshape Gabriel
Piston • single engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
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About the Blackshape Gabriel
Overview
The Blackshape Gabriél (BK160) is the EASA-certified big brother to the Prime. While it shares the same aggressive, carbon-fiber tandem aesthetic, the Gabriél is a significantly more robust aircraft designed for professional flight training and serious cross-country travel. It moves away from the Rotax engines of the ultralight world in favor of a certified Lycoming IO-320, offering a more traditional GA powerplant with the benefit of modern, autoclave-cured composite construction.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Certified Performance: Unlike the Prime, the Gabriél is EASA CS-VLA certified (and FAA recognized), making it a viable option for commercial flight schools and buyers seeking certified reliability.
- Fighter Trainer Cockpit: Features a dual-glass cockpit (often Garmin G3X or Aspen Evolution) and tandem controls designed to mimic the environment of a modern military jet trainer.
- Robust Airframe: Stressed for +4.4/-2g, the carbon fiber structure provides a level of rigidity and safety (including anti-blast fuel tanks and a ballistic parachute) rarely seen in this class.
- Modern Powerplant: The Lycoming IO-320-D1B (160 hp) paired with a Hartzell constant-speed propeller provides a familiar maintenance profile for GA mechanics.
Trade-offs
- Payload vs. Range: With a useful load of approximately 540 lbs, carrying two large adults and full fuel (34 gallons) requires careful weight and balance management.
- Service Ceiling: While the airframe is capable, the engine is naturally aspirated with a max operating altitude typically capped around 11,500–12,500 ft.
- Landing Requirements: Due to its clean aerodynamics and higher weight compared to the Prime, it requires more runway—standard landing distance over a 50ft obstacle is over 2,200 ft.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 29.53 ft
- Length
- 24.41 ft
- Height
- 8.05 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 1,874 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 1,874 lbs
- Useful Load
- 540 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 34 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 150 KTAS
- Range
- 400 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 12,500 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 1550 fpm
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