Graham Warwick/WASHINGTON DC
Soloy plans to complete certification of the Pathfinder 21, a re-engined, twin-turbine, Cessna Grand Caravan, after taking over responsibility for the programme from engine supplier Pratt & Whitney Canada.
The Olympia, Washington-based company says it hopes to raise the $2.5 million required to complete certification within 60-90 days. At the same time, Soloy is planning to raise funds for a programme to re-engine Caravans with a more powerful P&WC PT6A turboprop.
The Pathfinder 21 is a major modification of the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan which replaces the aircraft's single PT6A with a Dual Pac powerplant comprising two PT6D-114As driving a single propeller through a Soloy-developed combining/reduction gearbox.
The fuselage is stretched 1.8m (6ft) to accommodate up to 17 passengers. An integral cargo pod has been installed and gross weight is raised from 4,000kg (8,750lb) to 5,670kg. Power is increased from 500kW (675shp) to 990kW.
The project has been dormant for some time, although Soloy had built a flying prototype and static test article. The Dual Pac powerplant was certificated over a year ago, and chairman Joe Soloy says the company plans to gain a supplemental type certificate for the Pathfinder 21 conversion a year or so after restarting the programme.
The conversion is expected to cost $1.3-1.5 million, including a new engine and modification of the Caravan's existing PT6A, Soloy says. The modification is aimed at customers who want the utility of the Caravan combined with the safety of a twin-turbine aircraft.
Soloy is working on another Caravan conversion which involves re-engining the aircraft with a single 635kW PT6A-42. The increase in power will improve the aircraft's climb rate, and, in particular, its ability to climb above icing. The conversion is expected to cost at least $600,000.
Source: Flight International
