{{Infobox aircraft | name = Bushcaddy R-80 | caption = A Bushcaddy R-80 in flight (illustrative) | role = Utility, Bush plane | national_origin = Canada | manufacturer = Bushcaddy Aircraft (various iterations) | designer = Jean E. Beaulieu (original Bushcaddy series concept) | introduction = Early 2000s | status = In production (as kit aircraft) | variants = R-120, R-180, R-200, L-160 (other Bushcaddy models) }}
The Bushcaddy R-80 is a Canadian amateur-built aircraft, primarily designed for utility and bush flying operations. It is produced in kit form by Bushcaddy Aircraft, a company that has seen several changes in ownership and production locations in both Canada and the United States. The R-80 is recognized as part of a family of Bushcaddy kitplanes known for their robust construction, ease of assembly, and excellent Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) capabilities.
Design and Development
The Bushcaddy R-80 is a two-seat, high-wing, strut-braced monoplane. Its design philosophy emphasizes durability and suitability for operating from challenging and unimproved airstrips, characteristic of remote bush environments. Key design features include:- Construction: The aircraft typically features an all-aluminum airframe structure. The wings and empennage are often fabric-covered, while the fuselage may be aluminum-skinned or partially fabric-covered, contributing to its ruggedness and relative ease of repair for amateur builders.
- Configuration: A conventional tailwheel landing gear is standard, which is preferred for rough-field operations, though variations or custom modifications for tricycle gear might exist. The high-wing configuration offers excellent downward visibility, crucial for navigating and spotting landing zones in wilderness areas.
- Powerplant: The airframe is designed to accommodate a range of suitable engines, commonly including the Rotax 912 series, as well as Continental or Lycoming engines, typically producing between 80 and 100 horsepower.
- Performance: The R-80 is renowned for its STOL performance, enabling operations from very short runways. This capability is achieved through a combination of a robust wing design, often featuring large flaps, and a relatively low wing loading.
The R-80 represents the smallest two-seat model within the broader Bushcaddy aircraft lineup, which also includes larger and higher-capacity models such as the R-120, R-180, R-200, and the L-160. All models generally share a common design heritage focused on utility, reliability, and ease of construction for the homebuilder.
Operational History
As an amateur-built aircraft, the Bushcaddy R-80 is predominantly operated by private individuals. Its primary uses include recreational flying, access to remote cabins, hunting, fishing, and other activities that require access to areas without conventional runways. Its robust design and STOL capabilities make it a popular choice among homebuilders and pilots seeking a versatile and capable utility aircraft for adventurous flying.Specifications (Typical R-80 with Rotax 912 ULS)
''Data from various kit specifications and owner reports; actual performance and specifications can vary based on engine, propeller, construction quality, and modifications.''- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
- Wingspan: 30 ft (9.14 m)
- Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
- Wing area: 140 sq ft (13 m²)
- Empty weight: 750–850 lb (340–385 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,320 lb (600 kg) (Typical Light-Sport Aircraft limit)
- Fuel capacity: 25 US gallons (95 L)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912 ULS four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke piston engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
- Propellers: 2- or 3-bladed fixed-pitch or ground-adjustable propeller
Performance
- Maximum speed: 115 mph (185 km/h, 100 kn)
- Cruise speed: 95 mph (153 km/h, 83 kn)
- Stall speed: 35 mph (56 km/h, 30 kn) (flaps down)
- Range: 400–500 mi (640–800 km, 350–430 nmi) with reserves
- Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)
- Take-off distance (to 50 ft obstacle): 200–300 ft (61–91 m) (STOL performance)
- Landing distance (from 50 ft obstacle): 200–300 ft (61–91 m) (STOL performance)
See Also
- Bushcaddy R-120
- Bush flying
- Kit aircraft
- Light-sport aircraft