GippsAero has celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first flight of the Australian designed and built GAF Nomad twin turboprop on July 23 by confirming its plans to place the type back into production as the GA18, with service entry planned for 2014.
“The N24A based GA18 will be re-engineered with upgraded engines, new propellers, glass cockpit, weight saving measures, reduced maintenance requirements and aerodynamic refinements,” GippsAero said in a statement marking the July 23 anniversary. “Following an extensive development and test program, the type will be certificated to FAR 23 at Amendment 59. GippsAero plans to bring the GA18 to the market place in 2014.”
As part of those plans, GippsAero has acquired New Zealand based N24A Nomad ZK-NMC, which will serve as the development aircraft for the GA18.
GippsAero acquired the Nomad type certificate in 2008, and as well as working to return the aircraft to production, provides engineering and spares support for the 40 or so Nomads still operational around the world.
