Choucas

The Choucas is a light multi-purpose aircraft (motorglider) developed by the French company Alpaéro Noin Aéronautique, based in Châteauroux. Its chief designer was Claude Noin. The prototype made its maiden flight in February 1996.

Key Specifications

The Alpaéro Choucas is a two-seat, cantilever mid-wing monoplane. It is powered by a single Rotax 503UL-2V liquid-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine, producing 50 hp (37 kW), which drives a two-blade UC 2o composite propeller.

Powerplant Options and Sales

As an alternative powerplant, Hirth engines of 50 hp or the HKS 700E of 60 hp could be used. The Choucas was offered to buyers either as a kit for self-assembly or (from 2005 onwards) as a ready-to-fly aircraft. More than a dozen units were sold during its series production.

Technical Specifications

Modification Choucas
Wingspan, m 14. 35 (15.00)
Length, m 5.35
Height, m 1. 95
Wing area, m2 21.30
Empty weight 265
Maximum takeoff weight 450
Engine type 1 Piston engine Rotax 503UL-2V
Power, hp 1 x 50
Maximum speed, km/h 180
Cruising speed, km/h 130
Service ceiling, m 24 (26)
Rate of climb, m/min 102
Max. operational G-load 8
Crew 2 crew

Image gallery of the Choucas