Aluminium tubular space frame
The primary structure of the aircraft is made from aluminium tubes bolted together via stainless steel brackets. The simplicity of this design reduces manufacturing cost and time, resulting in a product with a high strength per cost ratio. Furthermore, in the event of damage to the primary structure, this design philosophy allows the customer to replace only the parts which have been damaged.
Trilam skin covering
The aluminium space frame is covered with a Trilaminate composite fabric, commonly used in the sailing industry for yacht sails. It is incredibly strong and has proved itself against the elements. In addition to this, we offer all our customers the opportunity to pick from our range of five bright colours to form their own design for their aircraft covering, making each aircraft as unique as a zebra’s stripes.
Aluminium spring undercarriage
One of the biggest changes seen on the BushCat is the move from a braced undercarriage to a sprung undercarriage. The new design makes use of a solid aluminium spring gear, which proves smaller spring constant and results in softer off airport landings. The added strength of the solid aluminium construction means that the aeroplane is more forgiving to less experienced pilots operating in difficult conditions.
Hydraulic brakes
Another new feature found in all BushCat aircraft is the hydraulic disk brake system, which has been upgraded from the mechanical drum brake system found on the Cheetah versions. The new system became a necessity to aid with shorter landing performance.
Removable doors
If your mission requires the use of in flight photography or any other activity in which the doors might get in the way, it is useful to note that both doors are 100% removable. Furthermore, the doors can be removed and refitted in less than 3 minutes.
Centrally mounted control stick
The BushCat is flown with a control stick mounted between both occupants, forward of the central arm rest. This configuration allows the pilot to keep his or her hand on the stick at all times, freeing the other hand for the throttle and panel mounted instruments.The use of a single stick ensures that control system complexity is kept to a minimum and that cockpit entry and exit is not blocked by floor or panel mounted systems.
Arm rest throttle
In order to accommodate the centrally mounted control stick, the designers of the BushCat have found a neat place to put the throttle. Two interconnected throttles are mounted comfortably at the end of the armrests. Both arm rests can also rotate to facilitate exit and entry into the cockpit, without affecting the throttle position.
Floats
The BushCat amphibian makes use of the 1400 Clamar amphibious floats. These composite floats are made using a combination of carbon, Kevlar, and S-glass fibres resulting in a lightweight product immune to corrosion and leaks.
+6 -4 Loading factor wing
The BushCat wing has been designed, tested, and certified to withstand +6G and -4G load factors at its maximum all up weight of 560kg (1235lbs).