Euro-ENAER has pushed back certification of its Eaglet single-engined utility aircraft until the first quarter of 2000 because of the unforeseen demands of new European quality assurance regulations for general aviation aircraft.
The fully composite two-seat Eaglet, originally set for approval in March, may become the first aircraft to be certificated under Joint Aviation Requirement JAR 23.
The Eaglet is a derivative of Chile's Empresa Nacional de Aeronautica's (ENAER) Namcu basic trainer, developed for the Chilean air force in 1986. The military lost interest during development and the project was converted for the civilian market.
"In Chile the possibilities for certification were not sufficient and the project was put on hold," says Maarten Korenromp, Euro-ENAER aircraft designer.
The Dutch company acquired the design from ENAER in exchange for the Chilean manufacturer's partial ownership in Euro-ENAER, which began operations in 1997. The Namcu was renamed the Eaglet and underwent several design changes to comply with "strict" JAR 23 requirements, including:
• A more powerful 120kW (160hp) Textron Lycoming O-320 piston engine "to limit noise levels and decrease engine maintenance costs";
• changes in composite material to include resin and fibre;
• redesigned fuel system;
• new interior design and avionics.
Under the current agreement with ENAER, components and the composite fuselage are built at ENAER's factory in Santiago and shipped to Euro-ENAER's Den Helder base in the Netherlands for assembly and completion. The first Eaglet prototype, converted from a Namcu test aircraft, has been flying since last year, and the second fully compliant prototype, incorporating the design changes, is scheduled to join the programme by February.
The company is aiming for JAR 23 certification by the end of the first quarter, followed shortly by first deliveries. Euro-ENAER has a production target of 12 aircraft in 2000, rising to 30 in 2001 and 46 a year from 2002.
"Current prospects total about 130 aircraft," says Korenromp. "The market is expected to be in Europe and Latin America initially, but contacts have been established worldwide." The $160,000 Eaglet will be targeted at flying clubs, private buyers and police forces.
Source: Flight International
