Service History
The Bristell B23 has established itself as a popular choice for flight training schools and private owners seeking a modern, certified light aircraft. Within 30 months of its first certified delivery in early 2021, BRM AERO achieved the milestone of 100 B23 deliveries, demonstrating strong market acceptance. The aircraft serves primarily in the general aviation sector, with operators worldwide using it for primary flight training and personal transportation. Notable market penetration includes strong entry into the United States market, exemplified by aircraft such as N279SS (construction number 813) displayed at the Oshkosh AirVenture in 2024.
The Manufacturer
BRM AERO s.r.o. was founded on November 1, 2009, specifically to develop, produce, and sell sport aircraft in ultralight and light sport aircraft categories. The company's rapid growth is evidenced by its infrastructure expansion, completing its first hangar on September 1, 2013, and adding a second facility on August 1, 2014. By 2021, BRM AERO employed more than 100 regular staff, growing to over 130 employees by 2024 with plans to add 50 more positions. Operating from state-of-the-art facilities at Letiště Kunovice airport (LKKU), the company achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, reaching 1,000 total Bristell aircraft deliveries across all variants in just 15 years of operation. The company maintains an annual production capacity exceeding 120 aircraft, including both ultralights and certified models.
Engine & Technical Details
The B23 comes standard with the Rotax 912 iSc engine, a four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 100-horsepower powerplant manufactured by BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG of Austria. This carbureted engine features heat management systems, a slipper clutch, and water thermostat for reliable operation. On January 13, 2022, BRM AERO received certification for the more powerful Rotax 915 iSc turbo variant, which produces 141 horsepower and includes FADEC electronic fuel injection and turbocharging technology. This engine option also enables the B23 to perform glider towing operations with aircraft weighing up to 800 kilograms.
The aircraft incorporates several innovative design features, including a hydraulically adjustable three-blade constant-speed MTV-34-1-A/175-200 propeller for optimal power management. The robust airframe design includes composite landing gear engineered for heavier loads, twin elevator trim tabs for precise control, and a steerable nose wheel for improved ground handling. With a fuel capacity of 120 liters, the B23 provides extended range capability for cross-country flights.
Design Philosophy
Led by designer Milan Bristela, the B23 development team focused on creating a next-generation low-wing aircraft that would satisfy both European CS-23 and US FAR Part 23 certification requirements. The design incorporated extensive customer feedback to address demands for improved handling characteristics, increased useful load capacity, and enhanced structural durability suitable for flight training operations. Key design improvements over previous models include a longer fuselage for improved stability, larger tail surfaces with an aluminum rudder, bigger flaps and stabilizer for enhanced control authority, and a cabin width of 1.3 meters for comfortable side-by-side seating.
Production & Legacy
BRM AERO delivered six B23 aircraft in 2020, the first year of limited production following certification. Production ramped up significantly following EASA CS-23 Amendment 5 VFR DAY/NIGHT certification on October 27, 2020, with the first certified delivery occurring in early 2021. The aircraft achieved night VFR capability as standard equipment, expanding its operational envelope beyond many competing light sport aircraft.
The B23 represents a significant milestone for BRM AERO, marking the company's successful transition from ultralight and light sport aircraft manufacturing to the global certified aircraft market. This achievement positioned the company alongside established manufacturers in the CS-23 category, competing directly with traditional general aviation trainers while offering modern avionics, composite construction techniques, and fuel-efficient Rotax powerplants.
Today, the B23 continues in production at BRM AERO's Kunovice facility as part of the company's diversified aircraft lineup, which includes the retractable-gear RG variant, the TDO taildragger configuration, the B8 high-wing model, and the experimental Energic electric aircraft. The success of the B23 program has validated BRM AERO's strategy of advancing beyond the ultralight market into certified aircraft production, contributing to the company's achievement of delivering over 1,000 total aircraft across all variants by 2024.