RYSZARD JAXA-MALACHOWSKI / WARSAW
PZL-Mielec will offer upgrade kits of the modified variant of its M18 Dromader utility aircraft along with a higher powered variant within months. Over the past year, the Polish manufacturer has installed a ventilation system, raised the tail-wheel and added a third rudder-hinge to the 1960s-designed agricultural aircraft.
These changes follow earlier modifications, including a reinforced structure and improved avionics. But PZL-Mielec has decided not to pursue changes to the wingtips meant to improve fertiliser distribution for the crop sprayer variant. PZL-Mielec is also studying the feasibility of a new fire-fighting version.
The company will offer the variants as modification kits, which require only three-man teams to install, to European and US customers.
Engineers are looking at a change of powerplant for the M18, from the 750kW (1,000hp) PZL-Hydral Asz62-IRA, to one "more suitable for hot-and-high conditions". PZL-Mielec is talking to WSK Kalisz to use its 895kW K-9 engine on the aircraft, pending certification.
PZL-Mielec is also looking at a turboprop version, and US Federal Aviation Administration supplementary type certificates for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and Honeywell TPE331 have been granted.
Source: Flight International
