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LOOP News 10 APR 08: 420MPH KIT PLANE GETS FIRST FLIGHTONE of the most anticipated selfbuilds ever broke cover in the US last month when the sleek Lancair Evolution turboprop made its first flight in Oregon. The four seater carried with it the hopes of the entire Lancair factory as it set off from Roberts field in Redmond, Oregon on its maiden 30-minute flight in the hands of test pilot Len Fox. The plane is no ordinary self-build, and comes with speed, spec, and performance more akin to well established offerings from manufacturers such as Cessna and Cirrus. It’s laden with luxuries and features too, such as a ballistic parachute system, allied to energy absorbing seats and airbag seatbelts. Power comes from a Pratt & Whitney PT6A- 135A, developing a stonking 927shp and able to take the plane with ease to over 25,000ft, a large Hartzell four-blade prop doing the work. But for all its extras, it is speed that the Evolution will be renowned for when it hits the skies – it nudges 400mph, territory hitherto unheard of for self-builds until recent years, aided by a light weight of only 1045kg. Company rep David Stalker said: “It was a good flight, and went just to plan. “This is the culmination of nearly four years’ work by the factory and the team, so it was a very proud day for us.” The Lancair is being built to FAA Part 23 requirements, which means a stall speed of only 61 knots. Near four hour flights are possible, with a 146 gallon fuel capacity at the 39gal/hr economy. Even with a full fuel load it will carry more than 450kg. Deliveries are due to start in June, with build times of around 14 weeks, and an estimated ready-to-fly cost in the region of £312,000. W: www.lancair.com Lancair Evolution PERFORMANCE Max speed 338 knots Cruise speed 270 knots Ceiling 28,000ft Rate of climb 4000 ft per minute Take-off distance 1000ft Engines Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135A, 927hp |                    | ||||||
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BRIT Paul Bonhomme - now writing an exclusive column for LOOP - is dominating qualifying for the first round of the 2008 R ... more Lancair Evolution turboprop makes historic maiden flight in States.ONE of the most anticipated selfbuilds ever broke cover i ... more PATRIOT Aviation has bought CSE Aircraft Sales. CSE had been forced to close earlier this year due to upheaval at its Oxford ... more | ||||
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