New Meyers Aircraft has begun development of a four-seat light aircraft, with certification flight-testing scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 1997.
The new M300 is planned to enter production alongside the company's two-seat SP20, an updated version of the Meyers 145A, first certificated in 1947.
New Meyers, based in Fort Pierce, Florida, had been negotiating to return the Meyers 200 four-seater to production, but decided to proceed with a new design after reviewing the drawings and tooling of the original aircraft. The company says that it has assembled an experienced design team to develop the new aircraft.
The New Meyer design is derived from that of the 145A, using tubular-steel centre and cabin sections. The 1,550kg gross-weight M300 will have a 225kW (300hp) Textron Lycoming engine, driving a McCauley propeller and providing a cruise speed exceeding 200kt (370km/h). The target price is $255,000, including Trimble avionics and S-Tec autopilot.
New Meyers is owned by the Seminole tribe of Florida, and was formed to return the 145A to production. The company says that it is close to certificating the SP20, which has a 370kW Lycoming engine in place of the original 110kW Teledyne Continental powerplant. The improved aircraft also has a wet wing and sliding canopy.
Source: Flight International
