Julian Moxon/CLERMONT FERRAND
Issoire Aviation is looking to Turkey as a potential partner to co-produce the company's APM 20 Lionceau two-seat trainer.
Philippe Moniot, president of Issoire Aviation, is planning to visit state-owned Tusas Aerospace Industries at the end of the year "to discuss possibilities". He explains: "We have a production capacity which could stretch to 30 aircraft a month." Moniot adds: "Any more than that and I believe we must look seriously at outside partners".
The first two Lionceaus are due for delivery before the end of the year to "one private and one professional" customer. Sales to date stand at 15 firm plus 7 options. Moniot claims there is "considerable interest in the aircraft, particularly from flying schools needing to replace ageing trainers which are noisy and uneconomical".
The Lionceau was the first all-composite aircraft, in June 1999, to receive Joint Aviation Authorities certification. Moniot says the aircraft is built using a "unique" technique in which major components such as the fuselage and wings are produced as single components, coming out of the mould in the final colour of the aircraft. "This avoids the extra work needed to glue two halves together and then paint them and helps keep costs to a minimum."
The Lionceau, which cost Fr8 million ($1 million) to develop, sells for Fr620,000, with basic avionics. Its initial version is powered by a 60kW (80hp) Rotax 912A which runs either on Avgas or automotive fuel and contributes to a take-off noise level of 66dB, which Moniot says is "one of the main attractions for a flying school".
A more powerful version, the Lion, powered by a 75kW Rotax 912S driving a Hoffmann 3-bladed variable pitch propeller, has been prepared and is being demonstrated. An extension to the JAA certification is planned.
Source: Flight International
