The third prototype of Cessna’s Skycatcher, the long-awaited 152 replacement, has joined the test programme. Ship 3 will serve as an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test aircraft and has started static testing. The mainly aluminium aircraft will have to meet ASTM standard F2245 for the light sport category.
The first prototype flew on March 8, with the second following on May 1. The second aircraft is the first production model and so far the programme has accumulated around 80h of ASTM flight-testing.
The 162 Skycatcher will include a maximum gross weight of 599kg (1,320lb), a service ceiling of 4,724m (15,500ft), a useful load of 222kg (490lb) and a usable fuel capacity of 91 liters (24 US gallons). It has a cabin width at shoulder height of more than 1.12m (44in), equalling that of the much-larger, six-place Cessna 206 Stationair. It features two top-hinged cabin entry doors and forward pivoting seats giving access to a baggage compartment.
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Source: Flight International
