Italian airframer Vulcanair has launched full-scale production of its first piston-single aircraft – the V1.0 – and plans to build up to 10 of the four-seat type this year.
The high-wing aircraft – launched at Aero 2014 – is a derivative of the Partenavia P64, and features a redesigned nose cowling, air ducts and doors, along with new wing leading edges, a scimitar Hartzell propeller and a redesigned cockpit with a Garmin G500 flightdeck. The V1.0 is powered by a 180hp (134kW) Lycoming IO-360-M1A engine that can run on either avgas or mogas.
“This is a totally modern aircraft,” says Vulcanair director Remo de Feo. “We are building it with aluminium rather than fibreglass, as there is a trend amongst pilots at the moment for solid aircraft with classic metal frames.”
Priced at €233,000 ($250,000), the V1.0 fits in the market between top-end light sport aircraft such as the Tecnam P2008 and Piper Super Cub and entry-level piston-singles like the Cessna 172 and Piper Archer, says de Feo.
The V1.0 has a maximum take-off weight of 1,160kg (2,550lb), a maximum cruise speed of 130kt (241km/h), a range of 589nm (1,090km) and a luggage capacity of 40kg.
Vulcanair has built new production tooling at its Casoria, Naples facility, from where the first aircraft will be handed over to an undisclosed owner at the end of the second quarter. “The aircraft is currently undergoing engine and noise testing and we expect to have these approved by June,” says de Feo. “We are also chasing US certification. We hope to have it within nine months. This will open up a potentially huge a market for us.”
Meanwhile, Vulcanair has also started deliveries of its upgraded A-viator. The first of the revamped twin-engined turboprops was handed over to German flight inspection company SVEGE earlier in April. The 11-seat aircraft features a three-screen Garmin G950 flightdeck, Cobham 2100 digital autopilot, improved landing gear and an electrically operated sliding cargo door. Vulcanair has three orders for the €2.3 million aircraft, two of which were secured at Aero.
Source: Flight International
