The first prototype of the Wolfsberg-Letov 257 Ravenall-metal utility aircraft has resumed flight testing after significant modifications.
Alec Clark, chief designer of the aircraft, says that pilots had "experienced quite a bit of trouble climbing through the cargo area to get to the cockpit" and so the aircraft has been redesigned with side cockpit doors.
This has allowed the designers to shorten the cockpit by 340mm (13.4in), increasing the useful length of the cargo hold to 4m (13ft). The Raven has been designed with the largest cargo door of any aircraft in its class, says Clark. The 257's door measures 1.5m x 1.5m, compared to a BN Islander's width of 1.1m and a Cessna 208 Caravan at 1.2m.
Source: Flight International
