Czech aircraft manufacturer Evektor is gearing up to roll out the first EV-55 Outback twin-engined turboprop on 30 March from its base in Kunovice and says it is "pretty confident" the 14-seat utility aircraft will make its first flight in the third quarter of 2010.
The privately owned company says three aircraft will be involved in the three-year flight-test programme and is aiming for European safety administration certification at the end of 2013. "The first aircraft will be delivered at the beginning of 2014 if the certification process goes smoothly and without unexpected delays," says Evektor.
The company, which also makes the Eurostar, SportStar and VUT100 Cobra light aircraft, says its has received " strong and positive feedback from the market" to the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21-powered EV-55 and will begin taking orders for the aircraft following its maiden flight.
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The EV-55 - development of which is being partially funded by the Czech government - is targeted at small commercial operators based in countries where the transport infrastructure is underdeveloped. "This kind of operator needs efficient and sturdy aircraft which is able to operate from unpaved runways and which is inexpensive to operate and maintain," says Evektor.
The prototype EV-55 will be built in Kunovice, but Evektor says serial production may be based "outside Europe". The company is seeking investors to help secure the necessary finance to launch serial production.
Source: Flight International
