KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Efforts to be concentrated on unpressurised VF600 and P68 piston twin line models
Vulcanair was set to fly its VF600W Mission single-engined turboprop for the first time late last week, as it seeks to widen its product line in an effort to increase its share of the general aviation (GA) market.
The new Walter M601F-11-powered VF600W is based loosely on the Stelio Frati-designed twin-engined SF600 Canguro, which the Italian manufacturer acquired from Siai Marchetti in 1997. Other GA types were acquired through its purchase of Partenavia in 1998.Available in cargo, passenger and VIP configuration, the unpressurised VF600 will be pitched against the ubiquitous Cessna Caravan, but with a lower price tag of less than $1 million, says Vulcanair. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 will also be offered at extra cost to customers not familiar with the Walter engines. Remo de Feo, president of Vulcanair's US operation says: "The well-established PT6, particularly in the USA is a 'no brainer' for many operators. They want a reliable aircraft without question and we aim to supply it with the engine of their choice."
Preliminary data for the 10- to 16-seat VF600W includes a 190kt (350km/h) high-speed cruise, a 2,000km (1,080nm) range with an 365kg (800lb) payload and a 20,000ft (6,100m) maximum operating altitude. It will be manufactured at Vulcanair's Casoria, Naples, facility initially, but de Feo suggests a US manufacturing base could also be established if demand is high enough, through "alliances with other GA manufacturers".
De Feo adds: "We continue to offer the SF600, but are waiting for a new customer before we restart production." The Spartacus and Viator turbines are also offered, but Vulcanair admits the bulk of its efforts are concentrated on the VF600 and the P68 piston-twin line, available in four models - the 68C, 68TC (turbocharged), Observer and TC Observer. De Feo says demand for the Observer has doubled to more than 15 aircraft since last year's terrorist attacks as countries step up national security. "Key markets are Asia, North Africa and Europe. We are manufacturing 25 P68s a year," says de Feo. Demand for the P68 has led Vulcanair to evaluate a diesel-powered variant. The company declines to be drawn on a powerplant, but it is believed to be considering an SMA engine.
Meanwhile, certification of the VA300 eight-seat twin turboprop has been delayed until 2005 while Vulcanair awaits approval of its Zoche Aero diesel engine.
Source: Flight International
