Lancair International is preparing to begin spin tests of its four-seat LC-40, which it plans to display for the first time at the Oshkosh show in 1997.
The spin tests are part of the certification effort, which Oregon-based Lancair hopes to complete by the end of the first quarter of 1997. "Once we get type certification and convert deposits, we will get an idea of the firm fixed deliveries," says Lancair sales and marketing director Mike Schrader. Initial production rates are expected to rise quickly to 140 a year, with the aim of an eventual sustained rate of up to 250 a year.
Manufacturing will be based at Lancair's new site at Bend Municipal Airport in Oregon, about 30km (18 miles) south of Redmond. Kit manufacture will remain at Redmond and the new site will initially be dedicated to LC-40 production. The site will be fully operational by the end of 1997 when first deliveries of the LC-40 are due to begin.
Production of a second "conforming" prototype has also begun. This will be representative of the production-standard LC-40 and will incorporate advanced composite structures made using processes developed in conjunction with NASA's AGATE general-aviation revitalisation programme. Such parts include a one-piece flap developed with two moulds and a dual-spar composite-wing structure. This has been tested to 7G before failure, despite one spar being cut in half outboard of the wing-fuselage attachment.
Source: Flight International
