Structure Bore Over 9,000 Lbs Load "Without So Much As A Groan"

Lancair International tells ANN the Redmond, OR high-performance homebuilt aircraft maker recently completed structural testing on the aft fuselage and empennage for its new Evolution kit aircraft.

With the previous successful testing of the wing -- and now the successful testing of the aft fuse and empennage -- construction of the first prototype fuselage is underway, according to Lancair.

"This is a giant leap forward in construction techniques," said Timothy Ong, General Manager and Chief Engineer. "We are able to attain incredible strength from these very light structures. Our test empennage and rear portion of the fuselage from the pressure bulkhead back which weigh only 55 lbs, was loaded to over 9,000 lbs without so much as a groan!"

Mechanical Engineer Ben Phillips, who conducted the tests, was equally satisfied with the test results and stated "It always amazes me what you can do with composites."

Lancair tells ANN testing of elevators and rudder are now underway, and will be completed in the weeks to come. The first wing and horizontal stabilizer -- previously on display at AirVenture 2007, as ANN reported -- will be mated to the prototype's fuselage in the next few weeks in anticipation of Evolution's first flight. 

The company says the four-seat, pressurized Evolution homebuilt will meet FAR Part 23 standards, including a 61kt stall speed, while also offering the speed many expect from Lancair. Some of the safety features include BRS parachute system, energy absorbing seats and AmSafe Aviation airbag seatbelts. Power will come from a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-135A, allowing speeds in excess of 385 mph true using the four bladed Hartzell prop -- while sipping only about 35 gallons of Jet A per hour.

FMI: www.lancairevolution.com