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.