Canadian Aerospace Group International (CASG) is looking for a new 300-410kW (400-550shp)-class engine to power the single-engined Hongdu N-5A agricultural aircraft, which it has agreed to market in North America for China's Nanchung Aircraft Manufacturing company.
The two-seat cropduster was originally powered by the Textron Lycoming IO-720, but production was halted after only 14 aircraft were built. "The N-5 is still a viable project for us and there is a market opportunity here, so we're looking at other options," says CAG.
The Canadian firm also plans to take delivery of its first Harbin Y-12-IV in January for modification to a Pratt & Whitney PT6A -34-powered Twin Panda, after the sale of 30 to Air Group of Brazil.
CASG plans to deliver the first of five Twin Pandas to Interdoc Aerospace of South Africa in mid-2000 and the initial turboprop to the Brazilian charter and freight operator in January 2001. Harbin will ferry the first basic Y-12 to Canada early in the new year, along with a demonstration aircraft. Modification work will include uprating the aircraft's Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-27 turboprops to the 20% more powerful -34 standard. CASG will also fit a choice of new avionics.
Source: Flight International
