Novel Needs Require Novel Airframe Solutions

One of the most unusual airplanes spotted by ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell at the AOPA Aviation Summit 2013 was Discovery Aviation’s model 201.

It’s a twin-engine airplane that certainly qualifies to be described as “unique.” Jim sat down with Rick Cunliffe, the President and CEO of Discovery Aviation, to get the background on their model 201.

Cunliffe refers to the 201 as an aviation version of an SUV. It’s a high wing, strut braced, twin-engine airplane with a fuselage specifically designed to accept odd cargo. The aft fuselage is actually a boom that supports the twin rudder tail assembly. To try to describe it further is useless; you just have to see the video.

With a 5000 pound gross weight and the ability to carry 7 passengers or outsized cargo, Cunliffe says a lot of interest is being shown by operators that fly into remote areas. The basic design was given birth in Russia but Discovery Aviation will be building the aircraft in Melbourne Florida. Watch the video and you’ll see an airplane  that was designed to work… hard!

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