China's Nanjing Light Aircraft has begun construction of the first prototype of a five-seat light aircraft expected to fly next year. According to Nanjing, the AC500 will be powered by a 194kW (260hp) Lycoming 510 piston engine, and will have a maximum speed of 135kt (250km/h), with an 800km (430nm) range. FAR 23 certification is planned for 2002, and Nanjing hopes to be able to sell the aircraft on the export market for about $190,000. The airframe is 90% aluminium with some non-load-bearing composite elements.
Source: Flight International
