New Zealand's Pacific Aerospace Corporation (PAC) has launched a new single-engined Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A- powered utility passenger variant of its original piston-powered Fletcher series.
Designated the PAC 750 XL, the new aircraft uses the same wing, powerplant and empennage as the company's Cresco agricultural aircraft, but has a reworked and widened cabin, seating nine passengers or up to 17 skydivers. The first year's production of 10 units, priced at NZ$2 million ($4.9 million), have been sold to a US skydiving operator.
Hamilton-based PAC is hoping to clinch New Zealand certification within weeks and is working towards full approved single-engined turbine-powered aircraft requirements.
The 750 XL offers a payload of over 3,000kg (6,600lb), a rate of climb at maximum weight of 1,700 ft/min (8.65m/s), normal cruise speed of 155kt (285km/h) and a service ceiling of 27,000ft (8,200m).
Source: Flight International
