Ten-Place Turboprop Single Designed For Air Taxi, Freight, And Similar Uses

The news from down under is that GippsAero has flown its new GA10 Turboprop for the first time. The 20-minute flight took place Tuesday in Latrobe, Australia at Latrobe Regional Airport.

On their website, GippsAero describes the GA10 as filling a niche between larger, more expensive turboprops and smaller piston aircraft. It has been designed for such missions as air taxi, freight, skydiving, aerial survey, tourism, and defense.

The aircraft will carry nine passengers and a pilot in a four-row configuration. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250 engine, according to a report in Australian Aviation. GippsAero sees that aircraft as suitable for a wide range of applications, from passenger and freight work to air survey and surveillance roles.  CEO of GippsAero, Dr Terry Miles, said, "The projected low purchase price and low operating costs of the GA10, coupled with its great versatility, will offer operators a commercially viable multirole turboprop aircraft."

The GA10 weighs 2,200 pounds empty with a MTOW of 4,450 pounds. It will take off in 1,800 feet, cruises at 149 knots, stalls at 60 kts with flaps deployed, and has a range of 750 nm. Entry into service is expected next year. (Photo courtesy GippsAero)

FMI: www.gippsaero.com/ga10.htm