JUSTIN WASTNAGE / LONDON
As third prototype aircraft is rolled out, Ae270's future is guaranteed with certification target of mid-2002
Ibis Aerospace has reached its target of 60 orders for the Ae270 single-engined turboprop aircraft to allow it to start production early next year.
The company, which is a joint-venture between Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody and the Taiwanese Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, rolled out the third prototype of the Ae270 in Prague, Czech Republic, late in October. The aircraft is due to join the flight test programme this month.
Ibis says that it has secured over 60 firm orders for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42-powered low-wing turboprop, all of which are from the USA except six from Australia and 12 from South Africa. Orders for around 10 more are being negotiated. The 60-order mark had been set as an internal target to allow production start-up.
The all-metal single-engine turboprop will be capable of carrying 1,200kg (2,640lb) in a cargorole or nine passengers, with a maximum range of 2,700km (1,460nm) and a maximum cruising speed of 260kt (480km/h).
Five prototypes are being produced, with aircraft one and three to conduct flight tests. Aircraft number one performed its first flight in July 2000 and performed flight routines at this year's Paris air show. The second aircraft is being used for static tests, the third prototype will be used for testing flight characteristics and aircraft system functioning, while the fourth prototype will undergo fatigue testing. The fifth prototype, now in production, will feature the more powerful PT6A-66A and the Sierra EFIS-2000 integrated display system and will be designated the Ae270HP.
The flight test programme is expected to lead to certification by the middle of next year, followed by customer deliveries in the fourth quarter.
Ibis says that all of its current orders are for the VIP version, with two crew and up to eight passengers, but is hopeful that the aircraft will find customers in the special mission market. Ibis expects a market for 800 aircraft over the next 18 years.
Source: Flight International
