Development and Design Philosophy
The A-32 Vixxen emerged from the drawing board of Yuri Yakovlev, the Ukrainian engineer who founded Aeroprakt in 1993 after graduating from Kuybyshev Aviation Institute in 1986 and working at the renowned Antonov Design Bureau in Kiev. Building upon his earlier success with the A-22 Foxbat, Yakovlev set ambitious goals for the new aircraft: achieve 20 knots higher cruise speed than the A-22 while using the same engine, improve crew comfort, and enhance short takeoff and landing performance.
The design team spent over three years developing innovative solutions to meet these objectives. Key improvements included a flush wing-to-fuselage fairing that dramatically reduced drag, an all-moving tailplane for better control authority, and wings shortened by 10 centimeters compared to the A-22. The aircraft also featured shorter lift struts, molded engine baffling for improved cooling airflow, and flaperon controls that combined aileron and flap functions.
Manufacturing and Production
Unlike the kit-built A-22 Foxbat, Aeroprakt designed the A-32 Vixxen as a factory-ready aircraft, marking a significant shift in the company's manufacturing philosophy. The prototype achieved first flight in January 2014, with the first production aircraft making its public debut in April 2015. The initial production example demonstrated its capabilities with a successful flight at Moorabbin, Australia, on July 20, 2015.
Production has continued steadily, with aircraft delivered to multiple countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Recent examples include aircraft D-MFCD, a 2021-built Vixxen that entered service with Fliegerclub Haren-Dankern e.V. in Germany in June 2021, and G-ENVV, a 2019 model that operated in the United Kingdom until its loss in a 2022 accident.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The A-32 Vixxen is powered by a single Rotax 912 ULS engine, a four-cylinder horizontally opposed air-cooled powerplant producing 75 kilowatts (100 horsepower). The engine drives a three-bladed KievProp ground-adjustable propeller with metal leading edges, providing efficient performance across the aircraft's speed range.
Performance figures demonstrate the success of Yakovlev's aerodynamic refinements. The aircraft achieves a cruise speed of 213 kilometers per hour (132 mph), while maintaining excellent slow-speed handling with a stall speed of just 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph). Never-exceed speed is set at 232 kilometers per hour (125 knots), with structural limits of +4/-2 G and a crosswind limit of 16 mph.
Operational Characteristics
The Vixxen's fuel system accommodates 95 liters (25 US gallons) in standard configuration, with an optional upgrade to 24-30 US gallon capacity using twin 12-gallon tanks. With the larger fuel load, the aircraft achieves a range of 702 nautical miles with 30-minute reserves at 3,700 RPM cruise setting. Endurance extends to 4.5 hours, making the aircraft suitable for cross-country flights despite its ultralight classification.
Typical fuel consumption ranges from 15 to 20 liters per hour, reflecting the efficiency of the Rotax powerplant. The engine typically operates at approximately 5,100 RPM during cruise flight, providing a balance between performance and fuel economy.
Service Record and Safety
The A-32 Vixxen has established itself in both private ownership and flying club operations across multiple countries. Aircraft D-MFCD serves with Fliegerclub Haren-Dankern at MLA Flugplatz Haren/Dankern in Germany, where it has been regularly observed in training and recreational operations. Other examples include D-MIPO (construction number 185) operating from Leer/Papenburg in Germany.
The aircraft's safety record includes at least one notable accident: G-ENVV was destroyed in a post-impact fire at Newtownards Airfield on July 19, 2022, following a spiral climb and descent maneuver. At the time of the accident, this 2019-built aircraft had accumulated 587 engine hours, demonstrating the type's utility for regular flight operations.
Legacy and Current Status
As production continues into the 2020s, the A-32 Vixxen represents Aeroprakt's successful evolution from kit aircraft manufacturer to producer of factory-completed ultralight aircraft. The design achieves its original objectives of improved cruise performance and reduced stall speeds compared to its A-22 predecessor, while offering the convenience of factory construction rather than builder assembly.
The aircraft serves the growing international market for ready-to-fly ultralight aircraft, with distribution networks established in major aviation markets including the United States through Aeroprakt USA and the United Kingdom through local agents. The Vixxen's combination of modern aerodynamics, reliable Rotax power, and competitive performance ensures its continued relevance in the contemporary ultralight aviation segment.