Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) has clocked up the sixth flight of its ZIU agricultural aircraft since air trials started on 26 June. It says a decision on going ahead with the programme depends on market research.
The ZIU is the first indigenous Turkish aircraft designed internally by TAI and was initially aimed partly at a Turkish requirement for agricultural aircraft to operate in its South East Anatolian Project.
Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria and Pakistan are "monitoring" the programme as potential customers.
Although suffering initial delays caused by supplier problems, TAI says test flights are "on schedule." A decision on a second prototype will be taken "after market research activities are finalised".
Powered by a 450 kW (600hp) Orenda OE600 8-cylinder turbocharged piston engine, the ZIU is funded by TAI, the Turkish ministry of industry and technology and the scientific and technical research council. Maximum take-off weight is 3,500kg (7,700lb). The fuselage and wings are of metal construction, while the 1,500 litre hopper, wing tips and removeable side panels are from TAI-made composite materials.
Source: Flight International
