Kaelin Aero has sprung from its roots as a manufacturer of high-end aircraft components and supplier to major OEMs to presenting its own clean sheet design, the B100C two-seat airplane. The German company debuted the tandem trainer at the opening media day tour at Aero Friedrichshafen on Tuesday prior to the show’s official opening.
It was just one of many innovative and tech-forward stops on the way, but proposes to offer a complete solution for the training organization ready to create new pilots from scratch or advance them in their ratings.
Sandra Kälin spoke with the gathering of how the company started 20 years ago based on business partner (and husband) Dominik Kälin’s expertise as a maintenance technician.
The B100C is positioned “to make mission-entry pilots,” according to Kälin, from ab initio to advanced training, and with a variant for military projects in the Middle East and Africa.
The striking airplane features a canopy and was shown with a three-blade MT propeller, though the powerplant is not yet established. For training, instructors could enjoy a fully equipped passenger seat in the rear, plus its direct flight controls and trailing link gear—and speeds planned up to 160 knots.
Originally set for EASA UL certification at 1,322 pounds gross weight, Kälin plans a MOSAIC extension to 1,700 pounds. Type approval is expected by the end of 2026, with delivery planned for early next year.
Julie, any idea what powerplant they used when calculating the 160 Kt speed? I know your article said the final decision was pending, but they must have used some powerplant as a placeholder to get the 160 Kt estimate.
Does anyone else get the impression that they would have been highly unlikely to come in at 1,322 pounds gross weight as they initially planned?
Yes! That is about the max of my Aeronca Chief with an A65.