Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) will begin manufacturing its Eagle X-TS all-composite sports trainer at its Batu Berendam plant in Malacca, in February 1997.
This decision follows the 13 November lifting of certification weight restrictions by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is responsible for oversight of European Joint Aviation Regulations/Very Light Aircraft (JAR/VLA) certification compliance. CASA, which had previously certified the aircraft only to a restricted weight - to comply with the JAR/VLA 45kt (85km/h) maximum stall speed - says that the aircraft has been brought to compliance by aerodynamic modifications which increase flap area and span, implemented by CTRM's wholly-owned subsidiary, Perth-based Eagle Aircraft.
CTRM chief executive Tan Sri Dato Dr Chen Lip Keong says that the aircraft will be assembled initially at Eagle's Perth, Australia, site. "In the not-too-distant future all activities, ranging from design to manufacturing, assembly and certification, shall be carried out in Batu Berendam," he says.
Malaysia will then have the capability to take an aircraft from conceptual design to certification. The beginning of manufacturing operations in Batu Berendam will mean that the country can make a start on developing capabilities in composite manufacturing.
Source: Flight International
