GippsAero says that plans to launch its long-mooted GA10 turbine utility aircraft are well underway, with the first prototype expected to fly later this year.
The 10-seat GA10 will retain many of the features of the eight-seat GA8 Airvan, but will be powered by a Rolls-Royce 250 B17F2 turboprop engine. “Our goal is to retain the successful GA8 design and to use current production parts to provide a strong support solution across the globe” said GippsAero’s engineering manager Gerhard Jordaan.
The first metal cuts for the prototype GA10 are expected in March, ahead of a first flight planned for October. The aircraft is planned for certification to FAR Part 23 in 2012, ahead of the public debut of the first GA10 at the 2013 Australian International Airshow.
