IBIS Aerospace expects to fly its Ae 270P utility aircraft for the first time by the end of this month, four months later than scheduled.
The start of the flight test programme slipped after suppliers failed to supply components for the first prototype on time, says Aero Vodochody Ae 270 sales manager, Karel Sovak. IBIS is a 50:50 joint-venture between the Czech manufacturer and Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development.
Despite the early setback, Sovak believes Czech and US certification can be achieved on time in mid-2001.The Ae 270P is the pressurised version of the aircraft, equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A turboprop, Western avionics and a retractable landing gear. The unpressurised, fixed-gear, Walter M601F-powered Ae 270W is due to follow, although plans to put this version into production have not yet been finalised.
The third Ae 270P prototype is due to fly "during the second half of this year", says Sovak, while the fifth will be used to test the upgraded PT6A-66A engine, being offered primarily to North American customers who require a higher cruise speed/altitude capability. The second and fourth airframes will be used for static and fatigue ground testing.
Source: Flight International
