Ibis A3270 Program Moves Forward

Ibis Aerospace has disclosed a performance increase for its Ae 270 single-engine turboprop. The company (Booth 458) is positioning the large-cabin, pressurized Ae 270 as an affordable high-performance business aircraft, with a short- and rough-field capability. The aircraft can be quickly reconfigured from a six- to seven-seat VIP layout to a combi or all-freight aircraft, and it can carry a maximum of 10 passengers (plus two crew). Ibis Aerospace is a joint venture between Aero Vodochody of the Czech Republic and Taiwan's AIDC.

"The Ae 270 has been flying since June 2000," says Ibis marketing vp Jeff Conrad. "We announced its first flight at Farnborough two years ago. With over 250 hours of flight time, a great deal of data has been collected on the aircraft that confirms, and in many cases exceeds, our prior estimate of its flight characteristics."

Following a series of flight trials by one of the two prototypes in September 2001, the Ae 270 has had its maximum speed increased-coincidentally to the figure of 270 knots. Other significant changes include a revised maximum takeoff weight of 8,380 pounds, with a useful load of over 3,300 pounds. Stall speed has been confirmed at 66 knots, with 36-degree flap set, and 85 knots without flaps. The Ae 270 will have a 1,500 nmi maximum range (with reserves) and will carry up to 309 gallons of fuel.

In July this year, Ibis Aerospace said that its fatigue test airframe had reached over 20,000 hours of structural testing. Also in July, Ibis designated Hong Kong's Aviation Supplies Ltd. as an authorized representative for the Ae 270. With offices in Beijing and Shanghai, ASL HK will support Ae 270 sales in the People's Republic of China.

At the same time Ibis appointed Tokyo-based Aviation Business International as its sales representative in Japan and Korea.

Ibis is moving to win CAA certification for the Ae 270 in September 2003, with FAA approval following in November 2003. The Ae 270 is being certified for FAR Part 23 single pilot operation, and will be eligible for Part 135 operations as well.

By Robert Hewson