Two Seriously Big Birds Heading For Certification

Among the more intriguing aircraft of NBAA 2008 were two good-sized birds brought by a manufacturer formerly best known for their experimental designs. Ron Lueck was on hand to discuss the new and upcoming airplanes from Comp Air, starting with the most recent Comp Air 9 and continuing on to the Comp Air 12.

Comp Air claims that the fully Carbon Composite construction of the 250 kt CA9 gives it a 'sleek airframe that allows it to cruise at 250 knots even though it has fixed landing gear.' The fixed landing gear gives the aircraft the ability to utilize rugged terrain and unimproved airstrips where a retractable gear aircraft may be impractical, while the high useful load offers additional capabilities and utility. The Honeywell TPE331-12 powerplant provides 1000 HP. 

The CA9 has a seating capacity for 6 persons, a wing area of 250 sq. ft., and a stall speed of 58 kts. It has an empty weight of 3,800 lbs, and a gross weight of 7,200 lbs. A Fuel Capacity of 400 gallons should yield a Max range of 2200 nm, while burning 35 gph. The CA9 has a Solo ROC of 4000 fpm, and a GW ROC of 2800 fpm.

The even-larger/speedier Comp Air CA12's specs are impressive -- with a 310 kt max cruise (at 30K), over 2500 nautical mile range, and a near standup cabin. Powered by a 1,650 hp, Honeywell TPE331-14GR turbine, which features excellent fuel efficiency and a 9,000 hour TBO, this new aircraft offers a Stall Speed of 73 kts. The CA 12 will have up to 10 seats (including two in the cockpit), and empty weight of 5,880 lbs. and a GW of 10,800 lbs. With a fuel capacity of 600 gallons, and an hourly consumption of 71 gph, the resultant Max range is 2,535 nm. The CA12 has a Solo ROC of 4000 fpm, and a GW ROC of 2800 fpm.

Comp Air has a 15-year history in the experimental kit aircraft business, and specializes in larger turbo-prop airframes. This is their first major endeavor in certified aircraft.

Aero-TV Gets Updated On Comp Air's CA-9 and CA-12 Cert Efforts

FMI: www.compairaviation.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews