Two European companies sucessfully flew their diesel-cycle twins for the first time late last month. Start-up German manufacturer High Performance Aircraft (HPA) flew its five-seat, all-composite TT62 Alekto twin-pusher air taxi (above) on 22 February, powered by the Thielert Aircraft Engines 310hp (230kW) Centurion 4.0. Italy's Vulcanair, meanwhile, flew its 230hp SMA SR305-powered P68CJet two days later from its Naples base.
The first flight of the P68CJet utility aircraft lasted 60min, says Vulcanair. "We will not start accepting orders until definite lead times for aircraft deliveries can be met," the company says.
KATE SARSFIELD LONDON
Source: Flight International
