FK Polaris - Design and Development

Design and Development

Design of the B&F Fk14 Polaris, sometimes known as the Funk Fk 14 Polaris but not by its makers, began in 1998. It first flew in May 1999 and started in production the next year. It is a low wing, single engine ultralight, with enclosed accommodation for two. seated side-by side. Its largely glass fibre (carbon on the Fk14B variant) wing is mostly of parallel chord but toward the tips, where short span aluminium ailerons occupy the trailing edges, the leading edge is swept. Electrically operated Fowler flaps are fitted. Four flap settings are available: +0°, +10°, +20° and +32°. The wingtips incorporate short winglets. The fin and rudder are gently swept; the rudder is deep, reaching the lower fuselage line and moving in a cut-out between the elevators. These rear flying surfaces are mass balanced. The Polaris has spring trimmed controls.

Until 2007 B&F offered a choice of steel framed or monocoque fuselage structures, but since then have only produced the latter. The occupants sit side-by-side under a single piece, forward hinged canopy. The standard undercarriage is of tricycle configuration, though a conventional undercarriage is an option. The main legs are fuselage mounted spring cantilevers and the nosewheel is steerable. All wheels are spatted. The Polaris may be fitted with a ballistic parachute (BRS 5) as an option.

There is a choice between two of the Rotax 912 series flat four cylinder engines: either the 60 kW (80 hp) 912 UL or the 74 kW (99 hp) 912 ULS may be fitted. These drive 3 blade, ground adjustable pitch propellers.