Chinese Guangdong Long Hao Group have signed agreement to purchase 50 EV-55 Outback multi purpose twin turboprop aircraft with Czech ...
Chinese Guangdong Long Hao Group have signed agreement to purchase 50 EV-55 Outback multi purpose twin turboprop aircraft with Czech aircraft maker Evektor.
The strategic cooperation agreement was signed by the general manager of Longhao Group Mr. Zhao Jiguang and Mr. David Chew, Director of Evektor Group in November 2015.
The 9-14 seater multi-purpose aircraft will be used to spearhead the growth of the general aviation in China.
According to the agreement, Evektor will establish dedicated maintenance centers in operating sites to support the aircraft.
The short take off and landing (STOL) capable aircraft can operate from unimproved surfaces and have a robust airframe made from solid aluminium, and a unpressurized cabin.
With a max take-off weight of 10140 lb (4 600 kg), the Outback can carry a max payload of 3915 lb (1776 kg) in its front and rear cargo bays.
It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21 turboprop engines rated at 535 hp each, ensuring unprecedented level of reliability and safety.
With 9 passengers and baggage, the EV-55 has an flight range of 800 nm /1480 km with a high cruising speed of 220 kts.
First prototype of the aircraft has logged more than 220 flight test hours and Evektor is aiming to achieve EASA type certification in 2017.
The first deliveries of the EV-55 to operators will be carried out in year 2018. The production capacity for 2017 is reserved for launch customers.
Malaysian company Aspirasi Pertiwi has invested $200 million in the program in 2014.
