Italian airframer Vulcanair has relaunched production of its AP68TP-600 Viator, renamed A-Viator as part of the Casoria, Naples-based company's renewed marketing effort for the twin-engined turboprop.
Vulcanair has also decided to offer glass cockpits as standard across its range of high-wing twin-engined aircraft from 2007.
The €1.4 million ($1.85 million) 11-seat Viator was originally manufactured by Partenavia, the company whose assets Vulcanair bought in 1998. "Ten of these aircraft remain in service," says Vulcanair sales director Remo de Feo.
He says Vulcanair is evaluating a diesel engine version of the 330hp (245kW) Rolls-Royce 250 B17C-powered aircraft that would carry up to eight passengers and would be aimed at business and private operators.
De Feo suggests there is significant demand for a diesel version of the A-Viator. "We are examining the Thielert Aircraft Engines 350hp V8 Centurion 4.0 powerplant and a decision on whether to launch the aircraft could be taken over the next 12 months," he says.
The tooling from the Partenavia days has been reconditioned "and we are ready to start manufacture of the first two airframes", says de Feo. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in around eight months and the second by the end of next year. Vulcanair anticipates demand for around 10 A-Viators a year, says de Feo.
Meanwhile, Vulcanair has begun taking orders for its new Vr piston twin, a lighter version of the P68 with retractable landing gear. The 200hp Textron Lycoming IO360-powered aircraft is targeted at training schools and owner-flyers, says de Feo.
Source: Flight International
