Andrzej Jeziorski/WARSAW
THE WARSAW-BASED Aviation Institute (IL) is planning a year-end debut for its I-23 all-composite light aircraft.
The Institute completed wind tunnel testing on the aircraft in 1995, and is now carrying out structural tests on aircraft components in preparation for the first flight at the end of this year.
The I-23, to be produced in co-operation with manufacturer PZL-Swidnik, will be the first all-composite aircraft built in Poland. The light aircraft will also be the first Polish aircraft on which "pre-preg" composite production techniques are used - all composite work in Poland to date has involved "wet" lay-up of components.
The IL's design and development work on the four-seat aircraft is being funded by a grant from the Government Scientific Research Committee.
The aircraft has a conventional, low-wing, monoplane configuration with retractable undercarriage. Power comes from a single, 130kW (180hp) Textron Lycoming O-360 piston engine with a Hartzell constant-speed propeller.
The cheapest version of the aircraft could be equipped with an 85kW (115hp) Lycoming O-235 engine as an alternative power plant.
The IL hopes for US Federal Aviation Regulations Part 23 certification in the utility category for pilot training and basic aerobatics, and in the normal category for private flights under visual and instrument flight rules. The Institute hopes to offer the aircraft with AlliedSignal Bendix/King avionics.
The I-23 is to have a maximum take-off weight of 1,050kg, with a maximum range of 1,430km (770nm). Maximum speed will be 160kt (300km/h), with a cruise speed of 140kt.
Source: Flight International
