Evektor-Aerotechnik's VUT-100 Cobra five-seat piston single made its first flight on 11 November at the manufacturer's Kunovice, Czech Republic base.
The all-metal, low-wing Cobra is the first member of Evektor's planned family of general aviation aircraft. The company is concurrently developing the nine- to 14-seat EV-55 twin-engine turboprop, which is scheduled to make its maiden flight in the first quarter of 2007, leading to certification and first deliveries in 2008.
Two versions of the Cobra are being touted: the VUT-100-120i powered by a 200hp (150kW) Textron Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 and the -131i, powered by the 310hp Teledyne Continental IO-550N. A diesel-powered variant is also under development.
Evektor-Aerotechnik is focusing on the North American market, where it plans to establish a sales, marketing, distribution and support network early next year ahead of US and European certification of the Cobra in early 2006. The aircraft will make its debut in April at the Aero 2005 show in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
Source: Flight International
