Sterna VLA Airplane — Specifications & Gallery

Design Philosophy

Three pillars of the Sterna design.

Every design decision in the Sterna VLA traces back to three non-negotiable requirements.

Easy Checks

Pre-flight and line maintenance checks are designed to be completed quickly and without specialist tools. Every access panel is logically placed and labeled.

Easy Maintenance

Modular construction enables simple assembly and disassembly. Standard aerospace components throughout — no proprietary parts, no captive service model.

Easy Control

Forward-seated crew configuration maximises visibility. Flight controls are designed for intuitive handling, appropriate for student pilots and experienced aviators alike.

Specifications

Technical Data

Category	Very Light Aircraft (VLA)
Airworthiness Standard	CS-VLA (EASA)
Max Takeoff Mass	450 kg
Crew Configuration	Forward-seated, side-by-side
Primary Structure	Aluminium alloys
Secondary Materials	Steel alloys, composites
Construction Type	Modular, conventional
Regulatory Oversight	NCAA (Serbia)
Production Model	Industrial serial production

Construction

Built with aerospace-grade materials.

The Sterna VLA uses high-quality aluminium alloys as the primary structural material, complemented by steel alloys for critical load-bearing joints and composite panels for non-structural surfaces.

The modular design philosophy ensures each sub-assembly can be independently inspected, repaired, or replaced — a key factor in keeping lifetime maintenance costs low and aircraft availability high.

Aluminium Alloys Steel Alloys Composites Modular Structure Standard Parts

Safety

Safety engineered in from the start.

The Sterna VLA's safety systems are not afterthoughts — they are integrated into the fundamental architecture of the aircraft.

Tubular Steel Safety Cell

Occupants are protected within a tubular steel structural cage surrounding the cockpit, designed to maintain survival space in the event of an impact.

Central Fuel System

The fuel system is positioned centrally to minimise fire hazard to the cabin in the event of a structural failure or ground incident.

Aerosol Fire Suppression

The engine compartment is fitted with an aerosol anti-fire extinguishing system, providing automatic suppression capability at the most critical zone.