Comp Air 12 Will Be Bigger Than Comp Air Jet

On the heels of Aerocomp's Comp Air Jet flight test program, its newest high-tech aircraft -- the Comp Air 12 turbine -- is poised to enter yet another rigorous flight-test-program at the company's Merritt Island, FL, plant.

Like its predecessor, the Comp Air Jet, the Comp Air 12 is an all-composite kit aircraft powered by a model T-53, 1400-hp Lycoming turbine. Flight-testing is slated to start in a couple of months, according to Aerocomp executives.

"The Comp Air 12 is a natural extension of our full line of turbine aircraft, which have been growing in size and passenger-carrying capabilities over the past several years," Aerocomp partner Steve Young said.

The Comp Air 12 will sport several cabin configurations, depending on what the builder wants or needs, according to a company statement. Aerocomp's first aircraft has an eight-passenger arrangement that also includes an enclosed head. With a range of 2,800 miles and a speed of 275 knots, it won't take long at all to realize that this single-engine turbine will be the right tool for the future of customer-built and flown aircraft.

Aerocomp says its Comp Air 12 kit will sell for $449,000 (without avionics). The price includes a 5,000-TBO T53 Lycoming turbine engine. This new high-tech turbine aircraft will share some of the same features as Aerocomp's Comp Air Jet, including the wing, fuselage and empennage. Aerocomp anticipates first flight in mid-2005 and is taking orders in the first quarter of 2005, for both the Comp Air Jet and the Comp Air 12.

FMI: www.aerocompinc.com