Savannah VG

The Savannah VG, introduced in 2004, is the developed version of ICP's original MXP-740 V from Castelnuovo Don Bosco in Piedmont. The suffix says it all: instead of the fixed leading-edge slats of the original – the Savannah traces its design back to the Zenair/Zenith STOL CH 701 – the wing carries vortex generators, small turbulators that keep the flow attached to high angles of attack. That turns a dedicated slow-flyer into a usable touring aircraft. Data sheet 61170.2 describes the modification (TM no. 01-2014) in three points: deletion of the slats, reinforcement of wing and fuselage, and electric trim with a larger trim tab.

What stayed is the riveted all-metal aluminium airframe: strut-braced high wing, cruciform tail, fixed nosewheel gear, tractor engine, two side-by-side seats and flaperons at 0, 15 and 35 degrees. The German DAeC data sheet 61170.2 lists the MXP-740 VG series with an 8.98 m span, 12.84 m² wing area, 6.50 m length and 472.5 kg takeoff mass with a rescue system installed, approved with the Rotax 912 A/F/UL (59.6 kW / 80 hp) and Rotax 912 S/ULS (73.5 kW / 100 hp). ICP marketed the series as the Savannah Mod. 51 with the Rotax 912 UL, Rotax 912 ULS or Jabiru 2200 and quotes up to 20 kg of baggage – the Jabiru does not appear on the German data sheet.

In the air the gain is obvious: VNE rises from 180 to 210 km/h, the data sheet quotes 180 km/h at maximum power, 170 km/h in rough air and a 100 km/h flap limit. The aviation press reports 160 to 180 km/h cruise, roughly 30 km/h more than with slats; ICP phrases it as "higher than 170 km/h". Minimum speed is given as 60 km/h in data sheet 61170.2 – so the VG keeps decent slow-flight manners without dragging the slats along.

Strengths: the best compromise among the 472.5 kg Savannahs between short-field ability and cruise speed, a rugged and repair-friendly all-metal airframe, good visibility, simple systems and the widespread Rotax 912. Weaknesses: the VG is out of production, it keeps the narrower fuselage of the original and therefore offers less shoulder room than the S and SR, and there is no dependable manufacturer empty-weight figure – the data sheet only says "as per weighing report", so usable payload has to be derived from the individual aircraft's paperwork.

The Savannah VG suits pilots operating from short grass and gliding fields who still want to cover cross-country legs in reasonable time. Anyone needing maximum payload or a wide cabin should look at the S or SR; those who deliberately want the slowest possible flying stay with the slatted original. Across all ICP listings on ul-flugzeugmarkt.de, asking prices span €17,500 to €100,000 – the price overview on this page calculates the VG range live from the current listings.