Limited ex-military ABT-18 Air Beetle aircraft
Secure your piece of the sky
Own a rare former military trainer, based on the renowned Van’s RV-6A and available for private ownership. Fly RV, Old Airport, Nelspruit.
Turning dreams into flight plans
R990 000 excl. VAT
50% deposit secures your aircraft and delivery position
Delivery expected in 30 days to 24 months
About the ABT-18 Air Beetle
The ABT-18 Air Beetle is a military training aircraft derived from the highly respected Van’s RV-6A design.
Originally assembled by Dornier Aviation Nigeria (DANA) in Kaduna, these aircraft served as primary military trainers for generations of Nigerian military pilots.
Recognisable by their high-visibility training colour schemes, the Air Beetles became an important part of Nigerian military aviation history. Today, only a limited number remain available for acquisition and restoration into private ownership.
Performance specifications
- Engine
- Lycoming O-360
- Power output
- 180 HP
- Cruise speed
- 172 knots
- Stall speed
- 43 knots
- Rate of climb
- 2 275 ft/min
- Range
- 625 nautical miles at 75% power
Aircraft reference
Explore the ABT-18 Air Beetle background
Read the four-page reference document covering the RV-6 and RV-6A’s design, development, Nigerian Air Force Air Beetle history and published specifications.
This is general aircraft background information, not the technical, maintenance or airworthiness records for an individual aircraft.
Source: “Van’s Aircraft RV-6”, Wikipedia, text available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Images in the document may carry their own licences.
The aircraft up close
Why invest in an Air Beetle?
Rare availability
A limited number of aircraft are available and will eventually enter private collections.
Proven heritage
Built around one of the world’s most respected light aircraft platforms.
Aviation history
Own a genuine former military training aircraft with historical significance.
Exceptional value
Acquire a unique aircraft platform for under R1 million excluding VAT.
Priority delivery
Earlier deposits receive earlier delivery allocations.
How buying works
Purchase price R990 000 excl. VAT, paid in two equal instalments.
50% deposit: R495 000 excl. VAT
Payable on signature of the Purchase Agreement. It secures your aircraft allocation and delivery position, which follows the order in which deposits are received.
Delivery: 30 days to 24 months
Timing depends on aircraft allocation, refurbishment requirements, regulatory approvals and your position on the delivery schedule.
Final inspection: five business days
Once assembly, preparation, testing and registration are complete, you are formally notified that your aircraft is ready for inspection.
50% final payment: R495 000 excl. VAT
Payable on delivery and final acceptance. Ownership then transfers to you, and all future maintenance, repairs, modifications and operational responsibilities become the owner’s.
Delivered airworthy
- Valid South African Authority to Fly (ATF)
- SACAA-compliant registration documentation
- Airworthy status at time of delivery
- Airframe, engine and propeller with less than 500 total hours
What you verify at inspection
- Aircraft condition
- Airframe installation
- Engine installation
- Avionics functionality
- Registration documentation
- Authority to Fly certification
Reserve your Air Beetle
Message Johan Heine on WhatsApp to ask about availability and your place on the delivery schedule.
Chat on WhatsAppJohan Heine
082 456 5909
Hannes van Zyl
082 808 0301
Old Airport, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
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