Ultralight aircraft from Slovakia may be of interest to clients in Kazakhstan

SENICA, June 24, 2021 – As part of the work to attract advanced foreign technologies and high-quality products, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovakia Roman Vassilenko visited the SHARK AERO aircraft manufacturing facility in Senica.

During the meeting, executive director of the company, Vladimír Pekár, introduced the activities of the enterprise, noting the company has been producing aircraft since 2006. The first model of the UL Shark light aircraft was produced and tested in the air in 2009 in accordance with the European criteria for light sports aircraft. Since then, more than 100 aircraft have been produced, delivered mainly to private customers in Europe and Asia.

The aircraft have a unique design, which explains both is name and the name of the company; they have a composite low-wing aircraft with a classic tail and tandem seats. The structure of a two-seater aircraft weighing about 300 kilograms is made of light raw materials – fiberglass, carbon fiber and epoxy resin, with polyethylene foam and sandwich panels. The fuselage and cockpit have an inbuilt stabilizer, integrated armrests and dashboards. Fenders and tails can be quickly removed for transport or storage. Moreover, an automatically launched parachute is built into the aircraft, which can be activated in case of emergency, allowing for a safe landing of the entire aircraft, including the crew.

Shark aircraft hold several world speed records in their category. In 2019, this aircraft managed to reach speeds of up to 303 km/h. The manufacturer offers pilots a performance that surpasses aircraft of a higher category, while the price and operating costs are much lower. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 600 kg. Shark aircraft have operating costs comparable to a car; gasoline consumption is from 7 to 8 liters per 100 km. A full tank with 100 liters of fuel will last for 6-7 hours of flight, and the Rotax engine has a power of 100 horsepower. Aircraft prices are considered between 150,000 and 185,000 euros.

In 2019, the company’s total turnover reached a record 3.2 million euros, and in 2020 – 2.9 million euros. The company is engaged in further improvement of aircraft, seeking to maintain its position on the market.

During the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue cooperation. It was noted that UL Shark, given their small size and economy, can be used both for private and commercial use, as well as for pilot training.

The visit was organized with the support of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.