Wed, Apr 01, 2015
Notes Success Of Other Retro Designs In Decision
ANN’s April 1 “April Fools” Special Edition
One of the iconic aircraft of the 1940s is being revived by Textron subsidiary Cessna. The company plans to certify an updated version of the T-50, better known as the Bamboo Bomber, sometime next year.
Cessna CEO Scott Ernst said that the pitch to Textron corporate wasn’t easy, but he knows that the airplane can be profitable. “I told them to look at the success of the new WACO Great Lakes. That’s a beautiful, classic airplane that is in high demand. Then I pointed to the Tecnam P2006T. A light twin that is seeing a lot of success in the training market. We needed a transition airplane between our singles and twins, and while the 310 was an option, we decided that we wanted to go back to the romance of the 1940s-style airplane.”
Like the Tecnam, the new T-50 will be powered by a pair of Rotax engines. “They’re just so efficient, and have the performance needed for this airplane,” Ernst said.
Ernst confirmed that the airplane would go back to the laminated spruce wing spar and plywood wing ribs of the original airplane. But while many of the construction methods would be right out of the 1940s, the cockpit would feature a Garmin glass panel and FADEC engine controls.
“We want to inspire a new generation of Sky Kings,” Ernst said. “We think this airplane will be very popular with those for whom high and fast are not nearly as important as comfort and style.”
The former SkyCatcher final assembly plant will be repurposed to build the airplanes. With a still-active type certificate and many examples of the original still flying, Ernst said the new airplane should make its debut at NBAA in 2016.
(Image from file)
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