I’ve been doing an “around the world” trip; hitting the coastlines and mountains mainly. I find myself really enjoying landing at remote airstrips.
Is there a STOL plane out there that cruises rather fast (relative to other STOL planes, I’d say) that also has a GPS in the cockpit so I can still explore on my way to a remote, backcountry landing strip? Glass or steam guages don’t matter to me, but I do need some sort of navigation for this trip.
Also, I was hoping for something smaller than the Kodiak. Great plane but I wanted to see what else is out there.
I second the vote for the Monster NXCub.
If you want a tail-dragger, I would add the Parallel 42 Fox 2. It can do the same speed as the Monster NXCub (about 130 KTAS) and is just really cool to fly.
The Twotter maybe? you can cruise at 140 in the Islander but that’s a bit above book. Stall speed on a BN-2 is at or below 40kts, so definitely short landing.
Not too big, relatively fast but easy to fly, STOL, GPS with an A/P, bushwheels, better flaps and brakes, increased power ?
Bagolu’s C172 mods !
Available in taildragger (best for bushflying) or nose wheel.
With G1000 or classic panel with GNS530 if you own the Asobo C172 steam gauges version.
And so many liveries are available for the C172 you’re sure to find the good one.
Give it a try, you’ll love it !
Kodiaks & Caravans land a bit fast compared to the other STOL options mentioned, although still not terribly fast. Maybe the faster GA a/c are worth a look - the Skymaster is rather heavy, but iirc the Mooney is pretty rapid ( I don’t know what state it’s in these days ).
The Payware IndiaFoxtEcho has a good STOVL aircraft. And it has everything that you mentioned in your original post.
STOL = Yes, it has Short Take Off and Vertical Landing capability
Cruises Rather Fast = Yes, at 1.6 mach
GPS in the Cockpit = Yes, you can do Nav mode with the Autopilot.
Glass or Steam Gauge = Definitely Glass cockpit.
It’s not smaller than a Kodiak, but if you’re looking for something else… Here it is.