KATE SARSFIELD / PARIS
F406 manufacturer has drawn up plans to launch a new general aviation aircraft to tap passenger and utility sectors
Reims Aviation Industries is planning to launch a new general aviation aircraft within three years to grab a larger share of the passenger and utility aircraft markets.
The Prunay, France-based company manufactures the F406 special mission aircraft. It was acquired in January by finance group Green Recovery following a French commercial court's decision to split the former Reims Aviation in two. Reims' subcontracting and maintenance arm was sold to Austrian investment group Ventana (Flight International 4-10 February).
"We have a choice between two projects," says Philippe Denavit, director general of Reims. "Either a pressurised version of the existing F406 or a newly designed stretched twin turboprop."
Reims says there is a strong market for either type. The pressurised version will enhance cabin comfort and thereby widen the aircraft's appeal as a commercial passenger aircraft. It could also be targeted at the business aircraft market. A stretched model will offer more versatility as a cargo carrier or an island-hopping passenger aircraft, Denavit suggests.
Reims has completed a feasibility study and says it hopes to develop any future projects with industry partners. "With only 45 employees we do not have the resources to take on this type of project alone. We are talking to a number of companies [including Ventana] and hope to make a decision soon," says Denavit.
Meanwhile, Reims plans to double production of its F406 multimission aircraft from four to eight aircraft in the next two years through its push into the maritime surveillance market and the introduction of the improved Mark II version.
The MkII is powered by two 635shp (475kW) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135 turboprops, replacing the MkI's 500shp PT6A-112s. It also offers an increase in maximum take-off weight of nearly 250kg (550lb) and an hour in endurance.
The first MkII will be handed over mid-next year to Japanese carrier Daihyaku Shoji for island hopping. Shortly before that, the French customs services is expected to take delivery of its F406 Polmar III maritime surveillance type. The aircraft is designed to monitor coastal pollution and will be equipped with a very low light level camera to record offending boats even at night.
Source: Flight International
