Italian airframer Tecnam took the wraps off its latest light sport aircraft (LSA) at the Aero show to mark its 65th anniversary. The Astore is priced at $104,000 and is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter on 2013. It features a low wing and new interior.
The Astore comes with an Apple iPad mini used as a primary flight display, and an application for weight and balance, checklists, and the pilot operating handbook. It also has a new "ergonomically-designed interior with enhanced all-round visibility", says Tecnam.
The latest family member will be offered with a choice of three Rotax engines - the 100hp (75kW) 912ULS, fuel-injected 912iS or 115hp turbocharged 914. Pilots may use mogas or avgas.
The Capua-headquartered company is the sixth-largest manufacturer of LSAs, producing 16 aircraft types including the P92 LSA/ultra-light family, the four-seat P Twenty-Ten, the twin-engined Multi-Mission Aircraft series and the in-development P2012 Traveller.
Europe accounts for the largest concentration of the more than 3,500 Tecnam fleet, with France, Spain, Germany and Italy home to the majority of the installed base.
Source: Flight International
