NEWS RELEASE:  RANS FLIES THE S-18

At approx. 10:35 AM on 9/9/2000 the latest new design from RANS took to the air. The S-18 is a two place version of the S-17 Stinger. The Stinger II's first flight went off without a hitch and lasted 20 min. First impressions from the test pilot/designer Randy Schlitter were positive. " We really did our home work on this one and have hit 100% of the design goals. It is a pleasant plane to fly, very nice handling with exceptional performance on a modest engine"

Equipped with the Rotax 503 the S-18 is off in less than 300 ft. climbing at 700 FPM with a cruise of 70 MPH. "What is so fun about this plane is the solid handling and speed envelope", continued Schlitter. "It is the kind of plane you will love to instruct with, forgiving and tough." 

Extra attention was given to the control system and airframe to enhance durability and handling. The main intent of the plane is for the BFI training role, however it will not be limited to training, it should make a good sport flyer as well. 

Seat comfort is top of the line, we use our recumbent bike seats! Seats feature a mesh back for ventilation, and easy to remove and wash seat bottom covers. Plus position is very ergonomic, good for the long haul.

The kit will be ready to ship by the end of March 2001. With the dual carb 503, tundra tires and nose pod, the S-18 will have a nice standard package, value packed and very complete.

Assembly time is predicted to be very low due to the welded cage design. The fuselage cage comes welded and painted, ready to start assembly. No painting, welding, bonding or sanding is required to build the S-18.
The S-18 uses the wing and tail from the very popular S-12XL Airaile, but because it is tandem and tailwheel plane, it has its own feel and look. Schlitter concluded, "We're having a hard time keeping this one on the ground, our pilots are having a ball flying off the restriction!"

The tall stance is great for plowed fields or tall grass; it does pose a bit of a mounting problem. We may add a step to the frame.

The climb angle is steep even on the 503!

Note the shoulder harness, the belt system is a Hooker Harness, very secure and robust.

Low level and slow, no problem; flaps are effective, and a real STOL plane.

A nose for the air, the pod features the S-17 nose cone and a special sheet metal belly pan. Pans and pods will be available pre-built and painted.

Quarter tail view shows off the long tail moment, makes for an easy tailwheel plane.

Smooth responsive controls come from this big pulley horn and lots of bearings. This is one top-notch control system.

Flaps are standard, along with elevator trim tab, and hand brakes on the front seat, which also feature a handy park brake. Very short landings are possible with the powerful 5" drum brakes.

Front Rudder Pedals Rear Rudder Pedals

Technical information and pricing on the S-18 is available on the S-18 Page. Click Here.