General aviation manufacturer Vulcanair is to unveil plans to relaunch the turboprop version of the AP68TP 600 Viator at the Dubai air show in November. The Naples-based company is beginning a marketing and proof-of-concept campaign to assess interest in an updated version of the Viator 11-seat turboprop, which was manufactured by Partenavia, the company whose assets Vulcanair bought in 1998.
The original version of the aircraft is not in production, but as Vulcanair has all the necessary certification and tooling, it could begin production quickly if interest is established, says sales director Remo De Feo. “We are focusing on valuing existing assets.” he says.
The company expects to complete certification of its VF600 Mission single-engined turboprop by the end of 2006, but “we looked at the market after developing a single-engined aircraft and realised there was still a big need for twin-engined aircraft,” De Feo says. He expects interest from commercial operators that have difficulties with regulations when flying a single-engined aircraft at night, as well as “high net-worth individuals” who prefer to travel in a twin-engined aircraft. Other potential applications include maritime patrol.
The aircraft is bigger than the piston-powered P68C now produced by Vulcanair, cheaper than other turboprops, and can access remote areas, De Feo says. Production could begin next year if there is sufficient interest, he adds.
Vulcanair is working on a prototype, but will take a production version of the original aircraft to Dubai and demonstrate the planned upgrades, which include a “completely renewed” avionics suite and glass cockpit.
HELEN MASSY-BERESFORD/NAPLES
Source: Flight International
