Chilean national aerospace manufacturer Enaer is studying structural enhancements to its T-35 Pillán low-wing piston trainer as the aircraft is marketed in Europe as part of a deal with EADS.
Enaer signed a deal with EADS in May last year under which the European manufacturer agreed to market the Pillán, offering the aircraft on a power-by-the-hour basis and providing training.
Enaer marketing director Marco Sciolla says changes to the wing chord and empennage will be completed before EADS promotes the product.
"We have to change the wing profile to improve the aircraft's handling characteristics, but we need money to do that first," says Sciolla.
The Textron Lycoming IO-540-powered Pillán was designed by Enaer in co-operation with Piper in the USA and is in service in Chile, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay and Spain.
Funds for future development would come from sales and Enaer is "closely talking" to Colombia about replacing its Beech T-34 Mentors and is in "active discussions" with air forces including those of Tunisia, Ecuador, Argentina, South Africa and Brazil. Sciolla says he is confident of "a big order soon".
Enaer has suspended development of the Rolls-Royce 250-B17 turboprop-powered T-35DT Aucan, or Turbo Pillán, and general aviation product the Eaglet in a bid to concentrate on stimulating sales of the T-35, which has been defeated by aircraft such as the Grob G120 and Slingsby Aviation T67 Firefly in several competitions.
Justin Wastnage/SANTIAGO
Source: Flight International