TAIWAN'S AERO Industry Development Centre (AIDC) is considering developing a six- to nine-seat turboprop aircraft for commercial and military use.
AIDC's Aeronautical Research Laboratory (ARL) is conducting preliminary studies of the aircraft, with funding from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Ministry of National Defence.
The yet-to-be designated aircraft, would be developed specifically, for use in Taiwan and include a series of unconventional features. The aircraft's 34m2 (336ft2) wing is designed for a short take-off and landing performance from an airstrip as small as 458m (1,500ft).
It would also incorporate an enlarged inboard wing-section to accommodate over-sized integral fuel tanks. It would have a design range of 2,645km (1,430nm) and 7-8h flight endurance for coastguard-patrol missions.
ARL's conceptual design calls for a significant proportion of the aircraft to be constructed of composite material, including the mid-fuselage section, inboard wing and flight-control surfaces.
The design would have a maximum take-off weight of 4,767kg and be powered by twin 410kW (550shp)-class turboprops. AIDC has identified the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 and the AlliedSignal TPE331 as possible power plants.
ARL has already started conducting wind tunnel testing of a scale model at its Taichung site. The first aircraft could be flown by mid-1999 and enter production by 2001.
It is intended to develop the aircraft with state aid and private funding. AIDC plans to enlist other Taiwanese Companies as risk-sharing partners.
Source: Flight International
