Having established the base model Airvan in the international market place Gippsland Aeronautics has commenced a number of market-driven product development programs to enhance the utility and capability of the type in accordance with customer requirements. These programs range from very minor items, to major items such as the range of engine options likely to power future variants of the Airvan. Due to the flexibility and development potential of the Airvan airframe the list of projects is quite extensive and, of necessity, has had to be prioritised.
The following is an update on current projects
Big Nose Wheel - The hardware for this program has been manufactured and an aircraft is ready for flight-testing. Subject to demonstrating FAR23 Amendment 54/55 compliant handling this project will soon be approved and available as an option or for retrofit.
Winterisation Program - A cold climate door seal has been designed and is in the final stages of approval and engine heaters etc are progressing.
Turbo Charging - Certification of a Turbocharged version of the Airvan has moved towards the top of the priority list. The proposed engine is the Lycoming TIO 540 engine, which is a turbocharged version of the currently installed normally aspirated engine. The Turbocharged Airvan will be particularly attractive to operators in mountainous areas, such as the Western USA, Canada and Alaska, as it will provide an economical option to turbo prop types whilst providing satisfactory climb performance to high altitude. The project is well advanced with the prototype installation completed. Ground running trials have been successfully conducted and flight trials are about to commence. It is expected that flight-testing and certification requirements will be completed before the end of the year with production versions available in early 2006.
Note: (Added December 16th 2005). Due to delays in the
certification of this engine at the Lycoming factory, the
availability of a Turbo Charged model of the GA8 Airvan will not
meet the planned time frame. Gippsland Aeronautics regrets these
delays, however we are working as hard as possible to get this
aircraft into production.
Floats - Wipaire Inc, of Fleming Field South St. Paul, Minnesota, the worlds largest float manufacturer, have carried out an evaluation of the float requirements for the Airvan and intend to use a 4000 type float. The float version of the Airvan will require slightly more thrust than provided by the current engine to obtain good short take off performance. Since the proposed turbo charged engine will provide the thrust required for water borne operation the float program is being run concurrently with the turbo charged program. Certification is expected in around the same time frame.
Skis - This programme will follow immediately after the Float program.
Auto Pilot - An aircraft is being provided for the Auto Pilot program. Testing should be completed in the second half of the year.
Medivac Version - Design work on a patient restraint system is currently being carried out with a view to developing a universal stretcher and attachment components.
Turbine Engine - It is intended to commence the turbine programme immediately following the completion of the piston turbocharged program. Some of the items for the turbine program, for example the fuel system, are being completed concurrently with the turbo program.
Diesel Engine - Due to the many potential advantages of diesel engine technology Gippsland Aeronautics is keeping a close watch on developments in this area. To date no company has a proven in service, certified 300 HP diesel engine.
Cargo Pod - An under fuselage cargo pod for the Airvan has been certificated.
The entire internal space of the Pod is useable due to Airvan's relatively flat underbelly. This feature, together with two side doors allows for the easy loading of three large suitcases. The pod, which has a capacity of 18 cubic feet, will carry 440 lbs (200 Kg) and items up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length. An optional rear door facilitates loading very long items.
The Airvan pod, which is constructed of advanced composite material, is an optional extra on new aircraft and is available as for retrofit item for existing GA8 airframes. The Pod can be installed in the field and is readily removable although it is thought that, as the installed pod incurs negligible performance penalties, most operators will choose to leave the it permanently installed.
European Certification - The European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) have advised that a type Certificate for GA8 Airvan will be issued on June 1st 2005. This will add more than a further 25 countries that accept the Airvan.
Gippsland Aeronautics has now built more than 70 GA8 Airvans, which are operating in operating in 13 countries. The total Airvan operating experience around the world is now quite extensive and in general the Airvan has proven to be very trouble free for a new aircraft type. Gippsland Aeronautics is responsive to customer requests for improvement and seeks to address these requests in a timely manner; however, the reality of certification of any change to an aircraft certificated modern airworthiness standards is that it takes time.
Alaska Airmen's Show - Gippsland Aeronautics will have a GA8 Airvan on display at Alaska State Aviation Trade Show and Conference in Anchorage Alaska on May 14th and 15th 2005.
For further information on this article please contact:
Marguerite Morgan
Sales Coordinator
Gippsland Aeronautics
PO Box 881
MORWELL 3840
AUSTRALIA
Tel: 61 3 5172 1200
Fax: 61 3 5172 1201
Email: sales@gippsaero.com
