Jabiru Twin takes to the skies

Jabiru Aircraft has flown its first twin-engined aircraft.

Inspired by the company’s dealer in South Africa to meet the unique operating environment of the region, the first aircraft was developed and constructed in Australia before the components were shipped to South Africa for fitting to a new Jabiru 430.

The twin engines are mounted on the nose of the aircraft in pods either side of the fuselage, offering unobstructed entry and exit from the aircraft cabin and obviating the complexities of wing-mounted engines. The design was adapted using the Jabiru 430 as the basis and aiming to meet FAR Part 23 standards. The structure is made of composites with aluminium connections to the engines.

Described by Jabiru as “a relatively simple bolt-on modification”, following further test flying Jabiru Southern Africa will now look to certification of a production aircraft by the South African CAA. Thereafter it is hoped the conversion could be offered as a kit to be fitted to existing J430s, joining the single-engine Jabiru, which outnumbers Cessna for its popularity in Southern Africa.

“In due course we hope to release this kit for Australian and USA builders and other countries that accept the experimental category,” Jabiru Aircraft said.