The Coavio DF 2000 is a single-engine, high-wing all-metal
ultralight aircraft with side-by-side seating for two. Built in
Italy, production began in 2004.[1]
Design and development
The DF 2000 was designed to provide a fast, robust, comfortable, low-cost side-by-side two-seat ultralight with a short take-off run. It has a conventional layout not unlike that of, for example, the
Cessna 152, with a high wing, swept vertical tail and tricycle undercarriage.[1][2]
Structurally, it is mostly built from aluminium alloy, reinforced with
TIG-welded4130 steel tubing in the cockpit area. The wing has constant
chord and is braced on each side by a single, broad streamlined strut from the bottom of the fuselage. The shallow, turned-up wing tips are formed from composites. Inboard
flaps are fitted. The cockpit area, under the wings and fitted with dual controls, is accessed by upward-hinged doors with deep glazing. Aft, the fuselage becomes more slender, though the swept fin has a long fillet. The rudder has a
trim tab and the low-set, parallel-chord tailplane carries a balanced elevator. The
tricycle undercarriage has main wheels which are cantilever spring-mounted from the lower fuselage and a steerable nose wheel. All wheels are usually
spatted.[1][2][3]
The DF 2000 family uses several engine/propeller combinations, mostly from the
Rotax 912 series of 80 to 100 hp (60 to 75 kW)
flat-4s but also the 85 hp (63 kW)
Jabiru 2200 and 120 hp (89 kW)
Jabiru 3300 powerplants.[2][1][3]
The DF 2000 first flew in about 2001 and went into production three years later. .[2]
Operational history
54 DF 2000 series aircraft have been built up to 2021.
Standard version, as Spartan but painted and with oil pressure gauge.
DF 2000 Plus
75 kW (100 hp)
Rotax 912 ULS engine, composite 3-bladed propeller with ground-adjustable pitch. Electrical elevator trim control and flap actuation, flap hinge fairing, partial cabin ventilation and additional instrumentation. Wheel spats and landing light.
DF 2000 Top
As Plus with a bigger oil cooler, radio and further instrumentation, upholstered seats and cabin panelling. Landing lights, radio and cockpit heater standard. Two-colour external paintwork. Flight-adjustable pitch propeller an option.
DA Evolution
de Luxe version with either 75 kW (100 hp)
Rotax 912 ULS or 64 kW (86 hp)
Jabiru 2200[2] engine. As Top, but with full cabin ventilation, improved seating and electrical aileron trim control. Improved external lighting. Three colour external paintwork and bigger spinner.
Specifications (DF 2000 Top)
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010/11[2]