An evolution of the Ikarus C42, the C52 was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules. It not only updates the older design, but offers more comforts. The C-52 is not intended to replace the C42 in production, but instead to act as a higher-end complementary model. Like the C42, it features a strut-braced high-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed open cockpit, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.
The aircraft differs from the earlier C42 primarily in that the landing gear is a cantilever design, the tail is constructed of carbon fibre and the engine mount was redesigned. Its 9.451NaN1 span wing employs V-struts with jury struts and has an area of 12.5m2. Standard engines available are the 800NaN0 Rotax 912UL and the 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS four-stroke powerplants.[2]