Are you ready for automated flight?
Only a few years ago, a fully integrated Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) with an autothrottle was the sole domain of the air transport aircraft and business jets. However, today’s AFCSs with autothrottle (AT) are becoming common on single engine turboprops. Are you ready?
1000th Robinson R66
Less than a decade after the helicopter was certified, Robinson has delivered its 1000th R66 turbine helicopter. The R66 Turbine is powered by the Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine and is equipped with Robinson’s trademark two-blade teetering rotor system. The RR300 is itself a derivative of the Allison 250 turbine and an engine that Robinson says has never had a reported in-flight failure in 1.2 million R66 flight hours. “This accomplishment demonstrates a level of reliability that exceeds EASA’s stringent requirements for single-engine helicopters. The R66 has also risen to the challenges of flying to the North Pole and circumnavigating the globe multiple times,” the company says. “ Delivering serial number 1000 demonstrates the R66 is the top performer and leader in its class, ” said Robinson President Kurt Robinson. The 1000th R66 was delivered to Les Gillespie of Gardner Aviation in Peachtree City, Georgia.
Tecnam P TwentyTen TDI ‘Tecnam moves to Diesel’
Tecnam announced the introduction of a new player into the General Aviation arena. With the Type Certificate expected by July, the P TwentyTen Mk11TDI has been one of the most secret development programmes ever. An aircraft burning just 5.2 US gallons per hour (less than 20 litres), with roomy, Italian-style shaped cabin interiors, and taking advantage of the high-wing configuration with three access doors plus another dedicated one for the baggage compartment, is no longer a dream. Nor is it a dream to cover 1,000nm with the full tank capacity of 63 US Gal (240 litres). The P2010 TDI role is to fill a gap in customers’ choices, as they can now order the ‘Twenty-Ten’ with three different powerplants and three different fuel capabilities: automotive unleaded (approved on 180hp version), Avgas on the most powerful 215hp variant and, from now Jet / diesel.
