Development and Design
The SA-2 Rampage emerged from ICP srl's successful Savannah family as a purpose-built STOL performer, designed by the Italian company's engineering team to push the boundaries of short-field capability in the ultralight category. The aircraft made its public debut at the Cielo e Volo show in Ozzano during June 2006, immediately following its maiden flight that same month.
Engineers equipped the Rampage with the advanced Savannah ADV wing featuring double-slotted Fowler flaps and leading edge slats, innovations that dramatically reduce stall speeds to just 31 mph while maintaining structural integrity through single bracing struts. The aircraft's slimmer fuselage compared to standard Savannah variants optimizes weight distribution for enhanced STOL performance, enabling operations from grass strips and confined airports where conventional aircraft cannot venture.
The Manufacturer's Evolution
ICP srl began as an electrical wiring business in 1980 before discovering aviation eight years later through Chickinox ultralight imports. The family company transitioned to manufacturing Zenair aluminum alloy aircraft under license starting in 1990, accumulating crucial production experience before launching original designs in 1996. By 2011, ICP had delivered more than 2,000 aircraft across its entire model range, establishing itself as a significant force in European ultralight manufacturing.
Operating from facilities in Castelnuovo don Bosco, Italy, ICP continues production today with models including the Savannah SR, Ventura 2 light sport aircraft, and experimental Ventura 4, while developing a CS-23 certified three-seat variant to expand market reach beyond the ultralight segment.
Engine and Performance
The Rotax 912 ULS four-stroke engine provides 74 kilowatts of reliable power, driving the Rampage to maximum speeds of 124 mph while maintaining the docile handling characteristics essential for STOL operations. This Austrian-manufactured powerplant combines air and partial water cooling to ensure consistent performance across varying flight conditions, paired with a 78-liter fuel system providing four to eight hours of endurance depending on power settings.
Climb performance reaches 1,200 feet per minute at 49 knots, allowing rapid obstacle clearance from short strips. The aircraft's NACA 65-018 modified airfoil generates exceptional lift at low speeds while maintaining controllability throughout the flight envelope, with g-limits of plus six and minus three accommodating moderate aerobatic maneuvers.
Market Position and Service
North American marketing began in 2007 when Skykits of Alberta, Canada, operated a demonstration aircraft until 2011, when ICP Aviation North America LLC assumed regional representation. The transition reflected growing interest in STOL-capable light sport aircraft among recreational pilots seeking backcountry access previously limited to more expensive specialized aircraft.
By mid-2010, five Vimanas appeared on European aircraft registers alongside the prototype, while the broader Savannah family accumulated 650 total sales including both completed aircraft and construction kits. This production success positioned ICP among Europe's leading ultralight manufacturers, with 513 Savannah-family aircraft registered across western European nations by decade's end.
Operational Characteristics
Pilots appreciate the Rampage's predictable handling and forgiving stall characteristics, essential qualities for safe STOL operations in challenging environments. The 1,130-millimeter cabin width provides comfortable side-by-side seating for two occupants, while the high wing configuration offers excellent ground visibility during taxi and approach phases critical for short-field work.
Empty weight ranges from 631 to 725 pounds depending on equipment, with maximum takeoff weights varying from 992 to 1,323 pounds based on certification category and regional regulations. This weight flexibility allows operators to optimize payload for specific missions while maintaining the short-field performance that defines the aircraft's capabilities.
Legacy and Current Status
Though production numbers remained modest with seven confirmed units by 2010, the SA-2 Rampage contributed valuable STOL technology to ICP's design portfolio while serving North American pilots seeking European ultralight sophistication. The aircraft demonstrated that advanced short-field capabilities could be integrated into affordable recreational platforms without compromising safety or handling qualities.
While exact current flying populations remain undocumented, the broader Savannah family continues production as of 2020, indicating sustained market demand for ICP's STOL-focused designs. The Rampage's specialized role ensures its significance extends beyond production numbers to its influence on subsequent ultralight development and the advancement of accessible short-field aviation technology.