A phenom in the ultralight world, the Badland made news at last year’s AirVenture by rolling out its single cylinder 460cc, 39 hp Thumper engine married to its sturdy chrome molly airframe. This year, Badland unveils two major developments, a nosewheel and carbon fiber ribs.
The Badland nosewheel design is an homage to the Vans RV-8A original nosewheel and is very robust for its size. The nosegear assembly is welded 4130 steel, holding a 4.00×6 nosewheel. The mini tundra tires for the Badland are actually fabricated in house, giving the aircraft its STOL competitor look.
To make up for the added weight,