Lancair is developing a turbocharged version of its Columbia four-seat piston single. Certification of the Columbia 400 is set for next year and a prototype is to be displayed at the Oshkosh show in late July.
The aircraft will be powered by a Teledyne Continental TSIO-550, and offered with the full-authority digital engine control, to be available from next year on the normally aspirated Columbia 300.
While the 300, Lancair's first certified light aircraft with around 100 orders in place, cruises at 190kt (350km/h) at 8,000ft (2,450m), the turbocharged 400 will offer "significantly higher numbers", says Lancair.
The Bend, Oregon-based manufacturer is also about to begin delivering kits for its new Legacy 2000 two-seater, against advance orders for over 70 units.
The Legacy 2000 is the successor to the original Lancair kitplane, 1,000 of which were sold. The company has also sold 500 kits for the Lancair IV pressurised four-seater and "130-150" for the fixed-gear Lancair ES.
About 800 Lancair kitplanes have been competed, the company estimates.
Lancair says its current focus is on reducing the time required to build a kitplane.
The new $40,000 Legacy 2000 is designed to be completed in under 1,000h, compared with 1,200h for the Lancair IV.
Source: Flight International
