KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
VulcanAir rolled out its VF600W Mission single-engined utility turboprop on 4 December. The aircraft then performed a short take-off and landing at Casoria, Naples, in preparation for its first flight later this month.
The VF600W is based loosely on the Stelio Frati-designed twin-engined SF600 Canguro, which the Italian manufacturer acquired from Siai Marchetti in 1997. Powered by a Walter M601F-11 driving a five-bladed Avia propeller, the unpressurised VF600W will be pitched against the Cessna Caravan, but with a lower price tag of less than $1 million. A Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-powered version will also be offered at extra cost, says VulcanAir.
"The 10- to 16-seat VF600W can carry 1,363kg [3,000lb] on an average leg of 740km [400nm]," says VulcanAir. "The aircraft has a range of 2,035km with full fuel and a 340km/h [180kt] cruise speed."
The VF600W will be made at the company's Naples site initially, but a US manufacturing base could also be set up if demand is strong enough, says VulcanAir, through "alliances with other general aviation aircraft manufacturers".
European and US certification is scheduled for the end of next year, with deliveries planned for early 2004. The VF600W is targeted at corporate, commercial transport, cargo, law enforcement and homeland security markets. It will also be equipped with floats for amphibious operations.
Source: Flight International
