The certification process for the REMOS GXiS as a European LSA is on a fast track. The wing, made of carbon fibre, resisted a load of 2.3 tons (5,070 lbs). This test is required by EASA in order to prove that the wing can resist a load factor of +4/-2 g in flight plus a safety factor. The aircraft is designed for a MTOW of 600 kg (1320 lbs).
For the first step in the process, the material is heated to 54 degree Celsius (129 degree Fahrenheit). As soon as that temperature is reached, the weights are put onto the wing – cement bags, each one thoroughly checked and weighed before, were used. The arrangement of the weights was exactly defined before they were set in place. The test is considered to be passed when the wing withstands the load for at least three seconds.
Once past the minimum requirement, 30 percent more weight than required by the rules was put onto the wing – the structure did not show any sign of damage. In the end, 2,3 tons (5,070 lbs) were laid on the wing. A structural expert from the European aviation authority EASA supervised the load test.
The GXiS is the first REMOS powered by the fuel injected engine Rotax 912 iS Sport (74 kW/100 hp). It is expected to meet European and U.S. LSA standards in the near future. One of the most important features on board is SMARTstart, a system that makes it possible to start the engine by simply pushing a button on the panel.
First flight of the GXiS took place in May, 2016. The prototype with the call sign D-EPDC has been refined during the flight testing campaign and was exhibited at several trade shows. During AERO in April 2017 the REMOS GXiS received Germany’s Ultralight Certification. The first serial production aircraft was delivered to UTC, a flight school in Bavaria in spring 2017.
