Aircraft overview

The Light Aircraft Company Sherwood Ranger is a British, kit built and factory supported two seat biplane in the microlight and light sport category. The design traces its origins to the early 1990s and has been associated with The Light Aircraft Company in Norfolk, which continues to support the Sherwood line. Unlike the single seat Sherwood Scout, the Sherwood Ranger is arranged for two occupants in tandem, with open cockpits and conventional tailwheel landing gear. Its appeal is practical rather than nostalgic alone: it offers vintage biplane handling and appearance with modern light aircraft engines, simple systems and relatively low operating costs.

Performance & specifications

Typical Sherwood Ranger performance depends on engine, propeller, weight and national certification basis. Common installations include the Rotax 582 two stroke and Rotax 912 series four stroke engines, with the 80 hp Rotax 912 UL and 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS often seen in later or upgraded aircraft. Published operating figures for well equipped examples commonly place cruise speed around 70 to 80 knots, with range in the region of 250 nautical miles when fitted with appropriate fuel capacity and flown at economy settings. Service ceiling is usually quoted around 10,000 feet. Useful load is strongly configuration dependent, so buyers should check the actual empty weight, maximum authorised weight and weight and balance report for the individual aircraft.

Cabin & avionics

The cockpit layout is deliberately simple: two open tandem seats, basic wind protection, stick and rudder controls and a tailwheel view over the nose. Entry, baggage allowance and weather protection are modest compared with enclosed touring aircraft, but the design suits local flying, recreational touring and grass strip operation. Avionics are normally basic VFR equipment rather than integrated suites such as Garmin Perspective or G1000. Typical panels include airspeed, altimeter, slip indicator, compass, engine instruments, radio, intercom and, where required, a transponder. Portable GPS units or compact glass displays may be fitted on newer builds.

Buying & value

Used examples should be assessed as individual builds. Review the build standard, logbooks, permit or airworthiness documentation, engine hours, propeller condition, fabric covering, corrosion protection, rigging, control cable condition and landing gear history. Particular attention should be paid to weight and balance, since useful load can vary materially between engine choices and equipment fits. Common value drivers include a Rotax 912 installation, tidy fabric and paint, documented maintenance, radio and transponder fit, and evidence of active factory or inspector support. In the used market, The Light Aircraft Company Sherwood Ranger sits as a niche recreational biplane rather than a fast cross country aircraft, competing on charm, simplicity and operating economy.