Thu, Oct 17, 2013
Building the next generation of single-engine business birds ain't easy... and its a fact that Alan Klapmeier knows all too well.
But despite the difficulties involved in building a company, the airplane side of things appears to be going well... as noted in a progress report that we undertook at this year's Oshkosh 2013 festivities.
The Kestrel all-composite single-engine, turboprop aircraft is designed to carry up to 8 people at high speed over long distances to places that jets simply can't go. As an SE Turbo-Prop, the Kestrel can be far more versatile, burn less fuel, and able to maintain approach speeds at large busy airports -- yet land on short, grass or gravel strips.
The Kestrel's 1700 hp TPE331-14GR is flat-rated to 1,000 shp, enabling it to climb efficiently at more than 2,250 ft/min to a maximum altitude of 31,000 feet. With a cruising speed greater than 320 kt, the prop will turn quietly at just 1,490 rpm while the powerplant still manages to boast a 5,000 hour TBO.
The Kestrel features one of the most sophisticated low-power ice protection systems on the market -- Cox and Company's 'Mechanical Expulsion Deicing System (EMEDS).' EMEDS removes ice by exciting electrical actuators installed under the leading edge of airfoils. The system components are mounted inside the leading edge, so they are not subjected to atmospheric and environmental hazards. This also produces lower aerodynamic drag and reduces fuel consumption. Additionally, there is nothing to service or replace. EMEDS has been implemented on hundreds of aircraft, and it is FAA/EASA FIKI certified.
Copyright 2013, Aero-News Network, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
More News
With Testing Soon Complete, Launch Preparations Begin in Earnest Sierra Space's Dream Chaser has been put through the wringer at NASA's Glenn Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio, but w>[...]
Takeoff Roll The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act>[...]
“We’re proud of the hard work that went into receiving this validation, and it will be a welcome relief to our customers in the European Union. We couldn’t be mor>[...]
"Aircraft Spruce is pleased to announce the acquisition of the parts distribution operations of Wag-Aero. Wag-Aero was founded in the 1960’s by Dick and Bobbie Wagner in the >[...]
IDENT Feature The special feature in the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) equipment. It is used to immediately distinguish one displayed beacon target from other be>[...]