KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Changes to single-engined turboprop include adding co-pilot and passenger door
VulcanAir has made structural changes to its VF600 Mission single-engined turboprop to widen the aircraft's market appeal ahead of certification in the first quarter of next year.
The alterations, introduced after customer feedback, have led to a delay in the certification schedule of around 60 days, says VulcanAir sales director Remo de Feo.
"We have enlarged the cargo door and added a co-pilot and passenger door," he says. The aircraft is targeted at private, business, commuter and cargo operators.
The fully conforming prototype will join the flight-test programme in January, when the privately owned Naples-based company will begin taking orders. The first flying prototype has accumulated around 100h, de Feo says, while a test article recently completed windtunnel testing to certificate engine operation under icing conditions.
VulcanAir will initially concentrate on the European market, where a number of operators are evaluating the Walter M601F-11-powered Mission. After delivery of the first aircraft, around mid-2004, VulcanAir plans to take a demonstrator to the USA. "We are targeting large fleet operators, which will see a benefit in switching to the Mission for its low operating costs and price of less than $1 million," he says.
VulcanAir is also planning to offer a 14-seat passenger version of the Mission in the USA certificated to FAR 23 amendment 53.
Source: Flight International
