Thu, Sep 26, 2013
Typical training aircraft come in one of two flavors: 40-year-old machines with tired interiors and outdated avionics or new glass-panel machines that cost more than most flight schools or owners can afford.
Now a consortium of companies is using Redbird’s Skyport laboratory to test a third option: The RedHawk Training Aircraft.
"The RedHawk is an experiment, and the Skyport will act as the proving ground it was designed to be,” said Jerry Gregoire, Chairman of Redbird and RedHawk Aero. “We know the RedHawk will cost less to own and operate than a new airplane, without sacrificing customer appeal. But we’re not committing to hard numbers until we build a fleet and fly them.” Gregoire says the goal of the next several months is working with all the partners to validate each component of the design.
The seemingly most unusual component for a training aircraft is the Continental Centurion turbo-diesel. But Gregoire points out that there are nearly 1500 of these engines flying today, so this is known technology. “When you consider this is an existing STC for the Cessna 172, and factor in Continental’s announced plans for pushing development and support of this motor, it looks like the best bet for a Jet-A burning trainer,” he said.
The RedHawk is remanufactured from the bare metal of a Cessna 172, with each partner company bringing a unique component to the whole. These include:
- Continental‘s fully certified Centurion turbo-diesel engine burning 4.5 gallons per hour of Jet-A
- Aspen Avionics’ Evolution 2000 PFD/MFD (glass panel), with full PFD backup
- Bendix/King’s next-generation avionics stack, currently awaiting final certification
- Brown Aviation Lease’s options for consumption-based pricing, with insurance provided by Starr Companies and Aviation Insurance Resources
- RedHawk’s own interior and exterior upgrade to maximize longevity and usefulness on the flight line.
Copyright 2013, Aero-News Network, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
More News
Omnidirectional Approach Lighting System ODALS consists of seven omnidirectional flashing lights located in the approach area of a nonprecision runway. Five lights are located on t>[...]
"Polaris Dawn, the first of the program’s three human spaceflight missions, is targeted to launch to orbit no earlier than summer 2024. During the five-day mission, the crew >[...]
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, M>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
“Our aircrews are trained and capable of rapidly shifting from operational missions to humanitarian roles. We planned to demonstrate how we, and our BORSTAR partners, respond>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.05.24): Omnidirectional Approach Lighting System
See All