'Skycar' Introduced From Across The Pond

By Chris Batcheller

One of the more unusual new designs at Oshkosh in 2010 is OMA SUD's prototype Skycar, which is on display here at AirVenture. This new light twin from Italy is certified in Europe, and FAA certification is expected in December.

OMA SUD Skycar

The Italian designed and built OMA SUD Skycar offers the market several innovative features. The front doors were designed large and wide to allow easy access to the cabin ... almost reminiscent of the Cessna 177 Cardinal. The airplane has a twin boom tail to accommodate a large rear access door. Think C130 without the cargo ramp.

Skycar Panel

The airplane is easy to get into thanks to the large door. Access to the rear seat is much easier than your typical single or twin. Up front, the aircraft is equipped with Chelton EIFS 3D Synthetic Vision and Garmin GNS-430 Nav/Comms.

This twin pusher design has 5 seats in the air taxi configuration and can be reconfigured for cargo and for medical missions. For medical missions, a stretcher can slide in from the huge rear door. OMA SUD plans to market several variants including a surveillance, SAR, medical evacuation, light cargo, executive and air taxi configuration.

Skycar Cargo Door

The twin engine Skycar features all metal construction with 200 horsepower Lycoming Model IO-360-C1E6 engine and Hartzell two bladed propeller. The Skycar features a large 240 cubic foot cabin volume (compared to around 180 ft^3 for the typical six place twin).

OMA SUD CEO Valter Proietti

The company has 200 hours on the prototype on display here at AirVenture. The company has plans to build the airplane in Italy, then ship aircraft to the United States by cargo container. Once the aircraft are received they will be assembled and delivered to the customer.

FMI: www.omasud.it