Sling Aircraft has revealed the first technical details of a new twin-engine piston aircraft now under development, with plans for both four-seat light-sport (LSA) and six-seat Experimental Amateur-Built (EA-B) configurations.
The South African manufacturer confirmed that the aircraft will use two turbocharged Rotax 916 iS engines driving constant-speed propellers. The cockpit will feature Garmin AXIS 11.6-inch displays, while a whole-airplane parachute will be incorporated into the design from the outset.
Sling Aircraft’s current lineup includes the two-seat Sling LSA and Sling 2, along with the four-seat Sling TSi and Sling High Wing. The Sling LSA is the light-sport version of the Sling 2, while the turbocharged TSi and High Wing use the 160-horsepower Rotax 916 iS. The TSi is a low-wing design, and the High Wing is offered with tricycle or tailwheel landing gear.
At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, Sling also introduced the Sling 2M, a MOSAIC-ready version of its two-seat trainer.
Greg Blyth, Sling Aircraft’s Business Development, Distribution and Marketing representative, said the company’s initial teaser an announcement of a new twin-engine aircraft was intended only to confirm that work was underway.
Sling has not yet disclosed performance targets, dimensions, projected pricing, first-flight timing or a planned date for customer deliveries for the twin.
Renderings released by the company show a conventional low-wing design with wing-mounted engines, retractable tricycle landing gear and a cabin extending behind the wing. The images remain conceptual and Sling has not said how closely the finished product will match the initial design.
The company plans to offer the aircraft with four seats when manufactured in the LSA category under the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification rule, better known as MOSAIC. Builders completing the aircraft under EA-B rules will be able to install six seats.
MOSAIC removed the former restriction limiting light-sport category aircraft to a single reciprocating engine. The new rules allow manufacturers to develop light-sport aircraft with any number or type of engines. The FAA specifically identified twin-engine airplanes with feathering propellers as one of the configurations made possible by the change.
The rules allow light-sport category airplanes to carry as many as four occupants. However, that certification category should not be confused with sport-pilot privileges. Sport pilots remain limited to airplane single-engine privileges and may carry only one passenger, meaning the Sling twin would require an appropriately rated multiengine pilot when carrying more passengers despite its planned LSA certification. Pilots holding private, commercial or airline transport pilot certificates with the required ratings could use all four seats.
Each Rotax 916 iS produces up to 160 horsepower for takeoff and 137 horsepower continuously, giving the aircraft a combined maximum output of 320 horsepower. The turbocharged, fuel-injected engine has a 2,000-hour time between overhaul and can maintain full takeoff power to 15,000 feet, according to Rotax. It can run on several fuel types, including 100LL avgas and unleaded automotive fuel meeting the specified octane requirements.
Sling has not said whether the twin will use the ASTM-compliant 916 iS or the separately certified 916 iSc engine variant.
The planned Garmin AXIS installation will use the avionics manufacturer’s new 11.6-inch touchscreen displays. Garmin introduced the AXIS family in July 2026 for certified, experimental and light-sport aircraft. The displays can serve as primary flight or multifunction displays and can include integrated IFR GPS, navigation and communication radios and audio-panel functions, depending on configuration.
Early information released with Sling’s renderings discussed three AXIS displays across the instrument panel, although the company has not confirmed whether that arrangement will be standard across every version.
The aircraft could give Sling a new entry in the multiengine training market. Many flight schools have relied on aging piston twins for multiengine instruction and time building. The two FADEC-equipped Rotax engines could offer a modern alternative.
The company has indicated that it intends to bring the aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2027.