Cessna's Next Generation Piston aircraft made a surprise fly-by at Oshkosh yesterday.

The aircraft was, as predicted in LOOP this month, a strutless high-wing design, with a smooth, streamlined fuselage. Few details were revealed by Cessna other than the aircraft has been flying since 23 June at the company's base in Wichita, Kansas.

Cessna's official statement:

Cessna Aircraft Company's Next Generation Piston Proof-of-Concept aircraft paid a surprise visit to AirVenture 2006 today, making low passes before a crowd of thousands, providing the first glimpse of the airplane that has been quietly under development for several years.

Last year, Cessna disclosed that it was working on such an aircraft to augment its current piston product line of 172 Skyhawks, 182 Skylanes and 206 Stationairs, but the company did not reveal any details.

At that time, Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Pelton said, "We are committed to maintaining our lead in the single engine piston sector. We have been looking at a range of possible technologies, features, materials, and processes that will result in an aircraft that is responsive to market needs and preferences and will be a strong competitor to the most modern single engine piston designs."

Today, some of the mystery was lifted as the crowd was shown features under consideration that included a forward swept, strutless high wing and advanced-shaped fuselage.
 
According to Pelton, the aircraft made its first flight from Cessna facilities in Wichita, Kan., on June 23, and has since flown approximately 20 hours in the development program.
 
"We're absolutely delighted with the progress we're making on this program. Development of this aircraft - which is a proof-of-concept aircraft that will represent a family of airplanes - is fulfilling all our expectations, and then some," he said.

"It will set new standards in performance, comfort and safety, and will be backed by Cessna's worldwide sales, distribution, training and service infrastructure. Cessna has been the undisputed leader in general aviation for more than half a century, and we intend to widen that advantage even further in the decades ahead."

Pelton said the company will not release performance numbers or specifications, or even detailed photographs, until the development program is further along.

"We know this is going to be a world-class airplane, but before making any commitments, we want to have a high level of confidence that we can meet or exceed those commitments. That's the way we like to do business at Cessna," he said.
   
Pelton said additional announcements will be forthcoming regarding its NGP aircraft as various strategic milestones are achieved.

LIGHT SPORT TWO-SEATER

Cessna also showed off its proof-of-concept two-seat aircraft that will help it decide whether to enter the booming Light Sport Aircraft category in the US. Last month, Cessna announced it was studying the feasibility of developing and producing a Light Sport Aircraft. Over the next several months, the company will evaluate a range of issues to determine if there is a favorable business case."More people have learned to fly in Cessnas than all other aircraft combined," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. "As the largest producer of single engine piston airplanes in the world, we believe we are well positioned to bring unique capabilities to the LSA