Tue, Dec 17, 2002
Serious Competition for Cessna's Caravan?
On December 4th, the VF600w Mission, a new single
engine turbo-prop aircraft from Vulcanair S.p.A. of Naples Italy,
flew for the first time from Capodichino International airport
in Naples, Italy. It was the first in a planned series of
flights needed to reach final JAA/FAA certification by the end
of 2003. Customer deliveries are planned for early 2004.
The Vulcanair Mission was designed to accomodate 11
passengers (including pilot). The aircraft is able to carry
3000 pounds (over an average leg of 400 nm), and has a range
of 1100 nm with full fuel and a 185k cruise speed. The first
version of VF600w will be powered by a Walter turbine developing
777 shp at takeoff, driving a five blade AVIA propeller. Mind
you; the VF600w Mission has been engineered to be able to
install alternative powerplants from different manufacturers in
order to fit additional mission profiles and market
niches.
The Vulcanair Mission target market is
multifaceted. The aircraft's primary target markets are the
civilian transport, and the cargo/feeder market with an
emphasis on remote and difficult to reach locations. Vulcanair
believes that companies in today's cargo feeder market need to
focus on an extremely balanced mix between cargo capacity economy
and reliability to have a sustainable competitive
advantage.
The secondary target market of the Mission is law enforcement
at-large including Homeland Security, paratroops and military
logistical support. One of the attributes of the VF600w Mission
aircraft is a large and usable constant width, flat-floor, fuselage
that allows for the loading and unloading of the aircraft
through a large cargo door that can fit three standard EURO
pallets (39.4"x 47.25") or the installation of up to nine seats for
passengers. In an SFAR configuration, the Mission can sit
14-16 people.
For the US market, Vulcanair plans to market the aicraft
for approximately $1M. The VF600w Mission will initially
feature two optional avionics packages. One emphasizes the latest
in high-tech avionics, while the other will be more
conventional, in order to satisfy both private
and utility operators. The VF600w Mission aircraft
may also be equipped with floats for land/ amphibious
operations.
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