Australia's N24 Nomad 17-seat utility twin-turboprop is set to return to production after a quarter-century gap following Gippsland Aeronautics' purchase of the type certificate from Boeing Australia.

Morwell, Victoria-based Gippsland makes the eight-seat GA-8 Airvan and plans to deliver the first new Nomad in late 2010. Two Australian operators have signed letters of intent--Airfreight Solutions and tour operator Grant Kelly Aviation.

Gippsland says it is in an "advanced stage of negotiation with a partner on the project" to restart production, eying a projected market for more than 200 aircraft over 10 years. The company plans to fit uprated Rolls-Royce 250-B17F II turboprops and new propellers, reduce the empty weight, and evaluate upgraded avionics and glass cockpit options.

The Nomad will compete with Viking's Twin Otter 400 and RUAG's Dornier 228, both of which are re-entering production. Government Aircraft Factories first flew the Nomad in 1971 and 54 remain operational. Boeing Australia acquired the type certificate in 1996.

Photo: Gippsland Aeronautics