The testing of Tecnam’s upcoming P2012 airplane now includes FADEC engines developed by Lycoming. The Italian aircraft manufacturer announced this week it has installed iE2 engines on the test aircraft, which is slated for a first flight in mid-2016. The P2012 Traveller, a twin-engine, 11-seat, fixed-gear airplane, is undergoing tests of the fuselage and wings. The iE2 will be designated on the P2012 as the 350-horsepower TEO-540-C1A, which can burn avgas and mogas. The engine features electronic mixture and propeller controls and electronic fuel leaning. “This configuration provides the P2012 Traveller with the power, durability and efficiency necessary for our first intended use as a passenger airplane,” Tecnam said.
Earlier this month, Tecnam and its design partner for the P2012, Cape Air of Massachusetts, said the third P2012 has been assembled and the test aircraft will roll out in February and take a first flight in June. The cockpit will include a Garmin-equipped glass cockpit with a total of three screen displays. The Traveller, designed for FAA and EASA certification, will go into service as a passenger commuter, with potential uses for shipping, corporate, skydiving and medical flight operations. It will feature a cruise speedof about 175 knots at 10,000 feet and a range of at least 600 NM.
