Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
Soloy plans to start a worldwide marketing campaign for its Pathfinder 21 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan twin engined conversion in about September following a successful first flight on 30 April.
The Pathfinder 21 is fitted with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6D-114A turboprops powering a single propeller through a Soloy Dual Pac gearbox installation. The fuselage is also stretched by almost 2m and strengthened, along with the wings, struts and landing gear, to increase the aircraft's gross ramp weight to 5,675kg.
Pathfinder 21 programme manager George Baena says: "We think most of the market for this aircraft will be overseas in areas like the Caribbean, South and Central America and Asia - provided that the economic climate of that area improves. He adds: "We also believe there is a market in some areas that do not permit overflights of cities with one engine, such as the UK." Soloy plans to begin an international marketing effort "-this autumn, when we have made sure we know where we are in terms of performance. Right now, we're pretty comfortable with what we're seeing", Baena says.
The company estimates a potential for up to 160 Pathfinder 21s, and believes that conversions could be accomplished at the rate of between 10 and 15 a year.
"This does not preclude the setting up of another conversion centre somewhere else in the world," says Baena, who confirms that initial work will begin, and will continue, at Soloy's current site in Olympia, Washington.
Soloy plans to firm up the target price of the baseline conversion by early July. The estimated cost, based on the present airframe which is 90% conformal with the production standard conversion package, is around $1.3 million. Certification is expected at the end of this year.
Source: Flight International
