Changes Include Canopy Glass, Avionics Options

Thursday at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Micco Aircraft Company, Inc. announced several improvements to its 2008 production aircraft, including the use of a new material for its large bubble canopy made by LP Aero Plastics, Inc.

"The new Solar Gray SG-UV tint blocks 99% of UVA and UVB radiation," explained Micco president F. DeWitt Becket, "and 30% more near infrared heat than standard tints. This helps provide a cooler, healthier cabin for the occupants and preserves interior and avionics."

LP Aero Plastics, Inc. has provided windscreens, canopies, and back glass for Micco since the company's first certified aircraft in 2000. "That partnership continues to bring innovation and improvements to the Micco SP26A production for 2008 and on." The SP26A is Micco's complex, high-performance, instrument-equipped, tailwheel aerobatic aircraft.

Additionally, Micco announced the selection of the SN3500 EHSI from Sandel Avionics, Inc. as the optional electronic HSI for the SP26A. Solid-state instruments are less susceptible than gyroscopic instruments to the stresses caused by aerobatic maneuvers
 
Micco has also revamped its autopilot selection, making the Century 4000 autopilot from Century Flight Systems, Inc. available as an option for the new SP26A. The Century 4000 provides a full autopilot with glidescope coupling, something not previously available on Micco aircraft.

"Our main thrust right now is trying to reduce the empty weight of the airplane and incorporate some of the new technology that we have," Beckett told ANN. While he went on to say that Micco has no immediate plans to offer a glass panel option at this time, he acknowledged that the possibility is being investigated for the future.  "Somebody is going to want an upset trainer with a glass panel. When they do we'll take a look at that."

Micco Aircraft Company, Inc. started in 1994, when it began designing aircraft derived from the Meyers 145 of the late 40s/early 50s. In 2000, the company received its first certification on a 200 h.p. version of its aircraft, and 10 months later received certification on a 260 h.p. model. The company had its aerobatic model certified in 2001. After a tenuous past resulting in the company's sale and closure, the company has returned in 2007.

According to Beckett, Micco plans to market the SP26A as an upset trainer to flight schools and universities, and the company is looking at contracts to put the SP26A in service as a primary military trainer.

FMI: www.miccoaircraft.com/