Manufacturer plans further variants of utility aircraft, including float-equipped version
Gippsland Aeronautics is about to fly a turbocharged version of its successful GA8 Airvan utility aircraft for the first time. The variant, which is a response to customers' hot-and-high requirements, is one of several developments planned for the GA8, including a float-equipped version.
The turbocharged version will feature an uprated Lycoming IO-540 replacing the -K1A5 variant on the standard version, providing improved take-off, climb and altitude performance, says the Australian manufacturer.
The Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), which was due to receive its second GA8 after the Avalon show where it was displayed, is launch customer for the turbocharged version. There is also considerable interest in the turbocharged variant from customers in Africa and the USA, says Gippsland. The manufacturer hopes for certification of the variant within six months, says Harry Fenton, manager of product support.
The turbocharged version will also allow Gippsland to develop a float-equipped Airvan, for which there is "quite high demand", says Fenton. Gippsland has already selected a float supplier for the aircraft, which it declines to name.
Airvan developments are unlikely to end there, with Fenton describing the aircraft as a "good platform for many years of development". MAF, for example, is keen to see a diesel version of the aircraft developed.
Gippsland has produced 69 Airvans, more than 60 of which are in operation, and production is sold out to the end of July. Customers include the US Civil Air Patrol, which has six of an initial 16 aircraft order in service. The manufacturer also has its first aircraft in the UK, which is pending addition to the UK register. Gippsland expects to receive UK certification from mid-year.
Source: Flight International
