SF-5

The SF‑5, conceived in the early 1970s by German aeronautical engineer Hans Seehase, marked a pivotal step in light‑sport aviation. After completing a prototype in 1973, Seehase partnered with a modest workshop in Stuttgart to refine the design, and by 1976 the aircraft entered limited series production. The SF‑5 is a single‑engine, low‑wing monoplane constructed primarily of aluminum alloy with selective composite skin panels, giving it a dry weight of just 420 kg. Its 115 hp Lycoming O‑235 powerplant drives a constant‑speed propeller, delivering a cruise speed of 220 km/h and a range of 1 200 km. Notable features include a fully retractable landing gear, a glass‑cockpit avionics suite with GPS and synthetic‑vision capability, and interchangeable wing extensions that allow the aircraft to operate both as a trainer and as a short‑take‑off utility platform. The SF‑5 earned certification under the European Very Light Aircraft (VLA) category in 1978 and quickly gained a reputation for handling precision, low operating costs, and ease of maintenance. Its influence is evident in later light‑sport models, and it remains a reference point for designers seeking to balance performance with affordability in general aviation.

Hans Seehase

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