Italian light aircraft manufacturer Tecnam is marking its 65th anniversary with the unveiling later this month of the Astore light sport aircraft. The latest offering - named after Tecnam's first production aircraft - will be unwrapped on 24 April at the Aero Friedrichshafen general aviation show in Germany.
Tecnam - already the largest manufacturer of LSAs globally - is keeping a tight lid on the design and performance specifications of the two-seat aircraft. However, it has revealed that the Astore will feature a low wing and a new enhanced interior "with improved ergonomics and better visibility". Tecnam's latest family member will be offered with a choice of three Rotax engines - the 100 hp 912ULS, fuel-injected 912iS or 115hp turbocharged 914. The Astore will also feature an iPad mini pre-installed with weight and balance information, checklists and a full pilot's operating handbook, says Tecnam.
The 27-year-old Capua-headquartered company produces 16 aircraft models including the P92 LSA/ultralight family, the four-seat P Twenty-Ten, the twin-engined Multi Mission Aircraft series and the in-development P2012 Traveller. Europe accounts for the largest concentration of the 3,500+ Tecnam fleet with France, Spain, Germany and Italy home to the largest installed base.
Source: Flight International
