Blog on World of Civil Airplanes : The AS/SA 202 Bravo is a two to three-seat civil light Aircraft

FFA AS-202 BRAVO TWO-SEAT BASIC TRAINER AND AEROBATIC LIGHT AIRCRAFT

The AS/SA 202 Bravo is a two to three-seat civil light Aircraft jointly designed and manufactured by the Swiss company Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke Altenrhein (FFA) and the Italian company Savoia-Marchetti. The aircraft was designated the AS 202 in Switzerland, and the SA 202 in Italy.

Savoia-Marchetti manufactured the wings, undercarriage and engine installation, while FFA manufactured the fuselage, tail and controls, while both companies had assembly plants manufacturing the complete aircraft.

The first Swiss model flew on 9 March 1969, the first Italian aircraft following on 8 May.

Bravo is a rugged all-metal low-wing monoplane with a full vision canopy. Its tricycle landing gear is fixed.

34 15s and 180 18s were built, with most in service with military customers. The biggest civil operator is Patria Pilot Training at Helsinki-Malmi Airport, Finland.

HISTORY

Although largely in operation with military air arms as a basic trainer, small numbers of the FFA Bravo are also in civilian hands, used primarily as aerobatic and basic pilot trainers.

Design of the Bravo dates back to the late 1960s, with original design work undertaken by SIAI-Marchetti of Italy, but with production and subsequent development work the responsibility of FFA (a company originally established by Dornier as its Swiss subsidiary).

The first prototype to fly was Swiss built, it took to the air for the first time on March 7 1969. An Italian built prototype followed soon after on May 7, while the first production standard aircraft flew on December 22 1971.

Initial production concentrated on the AS-202/15 and 34 were built through to the early 1980s. The definitive production model was the AS-202/18A-4, which first flew in August 1974 and received its certification in late 1975. This version differs from the original 15 in having a more powerful 135kW (180hp) engine. The principle civil Bravo operator was British Aerospace Flight Training (Prestwick) in Scotland which operated 11 (named Wrens). One crashed, but the remaining 10 were sold to Finland where they now fly with Pilot Factory Flight Training (Helsinki).

Two other models have been developed, although single aircraft of each have flown only. The first was the 195kW (260hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO-540 powered Bravo AS-202/26A, which first flew in 1979, the second was the 240kW (320shp) Allison 250-B17C turbine powered Bravo AS-202/32TP which flew in 1991. Swiss certification was awarded in 1995.

The Bravo is still offered for sale although none have been delivered since 1989. In the absence of Bravo production FFA builds components for other manufacturers under subcontract.

VARIANTS

There are a number of versions of the basic AS-202; depending on the engine horsepower and certain customer avionics packages.

1)AS-202/15

Two/three seat light trainer and sporting aircraft, with 112 kW (150 hp) Lycoming O-320-E2A engine. The prototype first flew in March 1969, and the first production aircraft in December 1971. Swiss certification granted on 15 August 1972; FAA certification awarded on 16 November 1973. FAA Type Certificate no. A34EU.

2)AS-202/18A

As AS-202/15 model, but with a 134 kW (180 hp) Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F engine. The first example first flew in August 1974. Swiss certification granted on 12 December 1975; FAA certification awarded on 17 December 1976.

3)AS-202/18A2

As model /18A with higher maximum take-off/landing weight, extended canopy, electric trim.

4)AS-202/18A3

As model /18A2 but mechanical trim, 24 Volt electrical system.

5)AS-202/18A4

As model /18A2 but with British CAA approved special instrumentation. FAA certification awarded on 4 February 1993.

6)AS-202/26A

Modified aircraft flew as prototype only with a 194 kW (260 hp) Lycoming AEIO-540-D4B5 engine in 1978, 24 Volt electrical system as in model /18A3, air condition to be available as option. Designed for higher performance, especially in hot/high locations. Did not go in production.

7)AS-202/32TP

Turboprop version of the AS-202/18A4 with 313 kW (420 shp) Allison 250-B17D turboprop, with three bladed constant speed propeller, plus two additional fueltanks at the wingtips. First flight in July 1992. Only one built.

8)AS-202/15-1/16M

AS-202/15 aircraft with STC from MecanAir. The original engine (150 hp) is removed and a Lycoming O-320-D2A with 160 hp is installed.

OPERATORS

1)Civil Operators

Finland

Patria Pilot Training - 7 aircraft. Patria's Bravos are ex-British Aerospace Flying College aircraft. BAE Flying College owned 11 aircraft, but 1 was lost in Scotland claiming 2 lives. Remaining 10 aircraft were sold to private Finnish flying school Pilot Factory, which merged with Patria in 2004-2005.

7 aircraft out of original 10 remain in service. During merger with Patria, one aircraft was sold to private owner. Night-time accident at Helsinki-Malmi airport in 2002 claimed no lives but hull was damaged beyond repair. In August 2010 one aircraft veered off the runway at Helsinki-Malmi and was written off.

Morocco

Royal Air Maroc - 5 aircraft.

Oman

Royal Flight of Oman - 4 aircraft.

Uganda

Uganda Central Flying School - 8 aircraft.

2)Military Operators

Indonesia

Indonesian Air Force - 40 aircraft. To be replaced by G 120TP in 2013 - 2014

Iraq

Iraqi Air Force - 48 aircraft.

Jordan

Royal Jordanian Air Force

Morocco

Royal Moroccan Air Force - 10 aircraft.

Oman

Royal Air Force of Oman - Former operator.

Uganda

Ugandan Air Force - 1 aircraft in 2012

POWERPLANTS

AS-202/15 - One 110kW (150hp) Lycoming O-320-E2A flat four piston engine driving a two blade fixed pitch McCauley propeller.

AS-202/18A-4 - One 135kW (180hp) fuel injected Textron Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F driving a two blade constant speed Hartzell propeller, or optionally a three blade Hoffmann prop.

PERFORMANCE

AS-202/15 - Max cruising speed 210km/h (114kt), economical cruising speed 203km/h (110kt). Initial rate of climb 633ft/min. Service ceiling 14,000ft. Range with max fuel and no reserves 890km (480nm).

AS-202/18A-4 - Max speed 240km/h (130kt), max cruising speed 226km/h (122kt), economical cruising speed 205km/h (110kt). Initial rate of climb 800ft/min. Service ceiling 17,000ft. Range with max fuel and no reserves 1140km (615nm).

WEIGHTS

AS-202/15 - Empty equipped 630kg (1388lb), max takeoff 999kg (2202lb) for Utility category, 885kg (1951lb) for Aerobatic.

AS-202/18A-4 - Operating empty 710kg (1565lb), max takeoff 1080kg (2380lb) for Utility category, 1050kg (2315lb) for Aerobatic category.

DIMENSIONS

Wing span 9.75m (32ft 0in), length 7.50m (24ft 7in), height 2.81m (9ft 3in). Wing area 13.9m2 (149.2sq ft).

CAPACITY

Two pilots side by side, plus one passenger in rear.

PRODUCTION

Approximately 34 15s and 180 18s built, with most in service with military customers.

SPECIFICATIONS

General characteristics

Crew: One, pilot