Longtime manufacturer of high-performance, heavy-hauling, kit-built turboprop aircraft, Comp Air Aviation says it is seeking certification for its 1,650-hp, Honeywell TPE331-14GR powered CA12. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive this week at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in at Lakeland, Fla. The “all new, carbon composite turbine” design will offer eight-plus-two seating, a 300-knot cruise at 30,000 feet and better than 2,500-nautical-mile range. All of that will be packaged in a 41-foot 5-inch body with wings that span 48 feet stressed to positive six and negative four G’s. Occupants will enjoy a 21-foot-long cabin that’s 70 inches tall and 65 inches wide. Up front, pilots should see takeoff distance (at a gross weight of 10,800 pounds) near 900 feet, according to the company.
With its first flight on April 15, the aircraft saw “no difficulties other than minor adjustments, it was a complete success,” said company owner Ron Lueck. FAA certification for the $2.5 million Comp Air 12 is expected in early 2010 and Comp Air is now accepting $100,000 deposits for the cabin-class turboprop.
