New Zealand aircraft manufacturer Pacific Aerospace (PAC) will start certification flights of its PAC 750XL utility aircraft early next month. The Hamilton-based company says the prototype has accumulated 39.2h in 63 test flights since its maiden flight late last year.
The 560kW (750shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34-powered single turboprop aircraft will start flying twice a day from next month in order to achieve certification by the end of the year.
Managing director Brian Hare says problems encountered in early flights have been overcome. These include the elevator stalling at extreme forward centre of gravity positions, which has been resolved by the addition of a gap-seal between the horizontal stabiliser and the elevator.
To meet US Federal Aviation Administration FAR 23 certification requirements for a 61kt (115km/h) stall speed at the maximum take-off weight of 3,400kg (7,500lb), the company has also increased the landing flap to 40¡ and added a 660mm (26in) leading-edge extension. PAC experienced minor difficulties with directional and lateral stability, solved by the addition of electronic rudder and aileron trim. PAC has also nearly doubled the size of the rudder to increase effectiveness in crosswinds.
The company says the PAC 750XL combines a short take-off with a large load-carrying capability. The aircraft has a 2,000kg payload and its cabin is designed to carry up to 17 parachutists.
The company has yet to finalise the aircraft's take-off and landing figures, but programme manager John McWilliam says that the current estimate is 325m (1,070ft) to reach a 50ft altitude at a weight of 2,950kg. The cruise speed is 150kt.
Source: Flight International
