Blackshape Displayed Prime Veloce and Gabriél at AirVenture 2026

Wisconsin, USA – Italian light-aircraft manufacturer Blackshape Aircraft, through U.S. distributor BravoFox, displayed the Rotax 916 iS-powered Prime Veloce at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, while its FAA-certified Gabriél trainer was exhibited at the Dynon Avionics display.

• The two-seat, tandem-configured Prime Veloce has a manufacturer-listed maximum cruise speed of 183 knots, maximum range of 780 nautical miles and maximum rate of climb of 1,750 feet per minute when equipped with the Rotax 916 iS engine.
• Blackshape also displayed a mock-up of CMD Costruzioni Motori Diesel’s CMD19 TC Evo as a potential Prime engine option. CMD lists the turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower for take-off, 170 horsepower maximum continuous output, a dry weight of 96 kilograms including the gearbox and a maximum operating altitude of 20,000 feet.
• The two-seat Gabriél is certified by the FAA and EASA and is offered with either a 160-horsepower Lycoming IO-320-D1B or Rotax 916 iS engine. Blackshape lists a maximum take-off mass of 850 kilograms and a useful load of 245 kilograms for both versions.
• Blackshape lists maximum cruise speeds of 160 knots for the Lycoming-powered Gabriél and 150 knots for the Rotax-powered version. The aircraft is marketed for pilot training, private flying and specialised civil and military applications.
• BravoFox said Blackshape’s experimental aircraft are being developed to comply with the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification framework. The relevant light-sport certification changes took effect on 24 July 2026 and require new aircraft to demonstrate compliance with FAA-accepted industry consensus standards under 14 CFR Part 22.
• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 was held at Wittman Regional Airport from 20 to 26 July. Blackshape’s participation follows previous U.S. appearances by the Prime Veloce and the appointment of BravoFox as its U.S. distributor.

Source: Blackshape Aircraft