Sat, Nov 07, 2009
Improved High-Altitude Cruise, Payload Capabilities
Gippsland Aeronautics announced Thursday that the FAA has
approved the new turbocharged GA8-TC 320 Airvan. The new GA8-TC 320
is powered by a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540-AH1A rated to 320
horsepower at 40 inches of manifold pressure at 2500 rpm from sea
level to 5000 feet. Above 5000 feet and through 12,000 feet, the
TIO-540-AH1A is rated to maintain 300 horsepower at 38 inches of
manifold pressure at 2500 rpm. The GA8-TC 320 is also the first of
the Airvan series to feature a Hartzell 80 inch diameter, scimitar
design three blade propeller.
The turbocharged engine enhances the performance of the already
versatile Airvan with improved high altitude cruise airspeeds and
payload capabilities. Eleven GA8-TC 320 Airvans have been delivered
to customers for use in humanitarian missions, surveillance
missions, freight hauling, passenger hauling and parachuting
operations. Deliveries to North American customers are expected to
begin in early 2010.
Gippsland Aeronautics delivered its first production GA8 Airvan
in December 2000 and was awarded its FAA type certificate in 2003.
Since then, nearly 150 Airvans have been delivered worldwide,
including sixteen for the Civil Air Patrol for use in Homeland
Security and search and rescue missions. The Airvan is operated in
large numbers worldwide for humanitarian missions, surveillance
missions, freight hauling, passenger carrying, sightseeing, and is
popular with private owners due to its large size, impressive
payload and docile handling characteristics. The new GA8-TC 320 is
a significant addition to Gippsland Aeronautics product line which
includes the normally aspirated GA8 Airvan and the twin turboprop
engine N24 Nomad.
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