First Flight Expected In September '07

Aero-News learned Tuesday that Utilicraft Aerospace Industries Inc., designer of a new utility air freight transport aircraft, has begun trading on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol UITA.

The public offering comes as the company continues to develop its primary product, the twin-turboprop, unpressurized FF-1080-300ER Freight Feeder aircraft. (A graphic of the company's earlier -200 prototype is shown above, -300ER is similar.) The aircraft is unique in its capability to carry standard industry air containers on short-to-medium range/medium density routes.

In addition to the all-aluminum FF-1080-300ER, Utilicraft also holds patents on an integrated air cargo electronic information system for the freight feed market, called the Express Turn-Around (ETA) electronic freight tracking system. It has also developed and patented the Automated Flat Rate System (AFRS).

The AFRS system computes the most economical performance curve for each route segment based on the change in aircraft gross weight on the segment. Utilicraft says the AFRS system reduces pilot workload, and assures the aircraft is operated with the highest fuel efficiency.

The company continues to develop the aircraft, with first flight of a non-conforming experimental prototype slated for September 2007. According to the Utilicraft website, the company expects FAA Part 25 certification in June 2009.

FMI: www.utilicraft.com