PACIFIC AEROSPACE is proceeding with the certification of its turboprop CT4C trainer, in response to what the New Zealand company says has been strong renewed regional interest in its low-cost military trainer.
The CT4C, on which considerable certification flying has already been carried out, is powered by an Allison 250B17D engine, flat-rated to 260kW (350shp).
Marketing manager John McWilliam says that the company has also established the feasibility of a retractable-undercarriage variant.
Pacific has also committed to restarting production of the CT4E with an initial two aircraft now being built in anticipation of contracts for Asian air forces. Production of the 225kW (300hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO-540 L1B5-powered CT4E, originally developed in an unsuccessful bid for a USAF primary trainer requirement, had been suspended since 1991.
Pacific has now offered the CT4E to meet the Royal Thai Air Force's requirement for up to 24 aircraft, where it is understood to be shortlisted along with the SIAI-Marchetti SF260M. A decision on that contest is now expected in mid-October.
Hamilton-based Aeromotive recently acquired 75% of Pacific Aerospace from the Australian Government as part of its sell-off of aerospace assets, and Lockheed Martin owns the other 25%.
Source: Airline Business
