C402 replacement

[cowpatz]

The Technam P2012 makes it's maiden flight.

With a high-wing configuration and fixed gear, the P2012 was designed to operate off unimproved airfields and as a low-cost replacement of aging small, short-hop airliners. Tecnam also expects the airplane will be a hit with VIP, cargo, parachuting and medevac operations. In passenger configuration it seats 1/2 pilots and 9 passengers.

Two 350 horsepower turbocharged Lycoming engines capable of burning avgas and mogas will power the airplane. The airplane is expected to have a range of more than 600 nm and a cruise speed of around 175 knots at 10,000 feet.

It's been given a big kick start by Cape Air, based at Barnstable Municipal Airport in Barnstable Massachusetts, who've signed a letter of intent to order 100 aircraft to replace their existing 83 C402's + 4 BN-2's.

Watch on youtube.com

It reminds me very much of an oversized Partenavia P68



Thanks to Grayson Ottoway

[Ian Warren]

Very similar to the Partenavia, surprised they did not wheel fairings on it yet least to make it more pleasing to look at as a prototype.

[Charl]

surprised

Took the words from my mouth... I'd have thought the 140kt cruise of an Islander was about as high as you'd go before the drag penalty became too much.
The P68 thought spats were good at 160 cruise.

175kt cruise and that stuff dangling in the airstream?
Maybe they have something not yet fitted to the airframe.
Maybe spats come with the winglet kit

[Lindstrim]

I'm pretty sure the Tecnam designer is the same guy who did the P68. Some Italian Professor of Aerodynamics.

At least that was the message given when talking about the P2006, and the initial showings of the 2012.

Some people have mentioned that they maybe too lightly built for operators, but I think they should be good you have to treat it appropriately.

[Ian Warren]

Some people have mentioned that they maybe too lightly built for operators, but I think they should be good you have to treat it appropriately.

One area specific was the 'rough field' "operate off unimproved airfields" spose wheel spats would be or could be a hindrance, I see the NB Islander appears to be a more rugged design even for its age .. wide span UC , twin main wheels .. I guess we will see.