Defence

A privately built counter-insurgency aircraft has begun flight testing, and its developers are trying to interest US and foreign military customers.

Designed and built by warbird restoration specialist Golden Aviation for Ohio-based US Aircraft, the A-67 Dragon flew for the first time earlier this month, but was damaged when its left main landing gear collapsed because of a weak link.

Repairs are being finalised and the aircraft will fly again soon, says designer David Goldsmith. The two-seat side-by-side A-67 is powered by a 1,250shp (930kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67 turbo­prop. The all-metal aircraft is capable of more than 300kt (555km/h) and 25,000ft (7,600m), and has a 67kt stall speed, says Goldsmith. Span is 11.4m and length 10.4m. Maximum take-off weight is 4,540kg (10,000lb), including 2,270kg of stores on five stations, but empty weight is just 1,470kg because of its torque-tube construction, he says. The fuselage, which would be stressed to 12g in production aircraft, also has storage capacity for internal payloads.

Monett, Missouri-based Golden is funded by US Aircraft to complete the first 50h of flight testing, says Goldsmith, adding: "Hopefully we will build the next few prototypes to evolve the design." The long-term plan, he says, is to build the aircraft in Canton, Ohio.