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Aviation in Australia is still making headway

Four new types to Australian skies are shown in the New Allocations this issue with arguably the most interesting being the two MilSpec Ganders VH-BKV and BXV. The US-based company designs and manufactures powered paragliders for a variety of different uses including aerial reconnaissance and surveillance for law enforcement, local government, corporate and private individuals. The rugged single-seaters are available in two versions, Mark 1 and Mark 2, BXV being a Mark 1 and BKV a Mark 2. The main difference is a slightly larger canopy area and a larger engine for the Mark 2. The Mark 1 has a canopy area of 34 sq metres and a 313cc, 28 hp (21 kW) engine while the Mark 2 boasts a 38 sq metre canopy and a 521cc, 50 hp (37 kW) powerplant. Both engines are two stroke with dual CDI ignition with the Mark 1 being single cylinder while the Mark 2 is twin cylinder.