Wed, Aug 21, 2013
Our friends at Redbird tell us that, "Typical training aircraft come in one of two flavors: 40-year-old machines with tired interiors and outdated avionics or new glass-panel machines that cost more than most flight schools or owners can afford."
With that assumption, Redbird is prepared to introduce a new concept as they have create a consortium of companies using Redbird’s Skyport laboratory to test something "really new" -- the third option: The RedHawk Training Aircraft.
The RedHawk is remanufactured from the bare metal of a Cessna 172, with each partner company bringing a unique component to the whole.
These include:
- Continental‘s fully certified Centurion turbo-diesel engine burning 4.5 gallons per hour of Jet-A
- Aspen Avionics’ Evolution 2000 PFD/MFD (glass panel), with full PFD backup
- Bendix/King’s next-generation avionics stack, currently awaiting final certification
- Brown Aviation Lease’s options for consumption-based pricing, with insurance provided by Starr Companies and Aviation Insurance Resources
-
RedHawk’s own interior and exterior upgrade to maximize longevity and usefulness on the flight line.
The seemingly most unusual component for a training aircraft is the Continental Centurion turbo-diesel. But Jerry Gregoire, Chairman of Redbird and RedHawk Aero, points out that there are nearly 1500 of these engines flying today, so this is known technology. “When you consider this is an existing STC for the Cessna 172, and factor in Continental’s announced plans for pushing development and support of this motor, it looks like the best bet for a Jet-A burning trainer,” he said.
Copyright 2013, Aero-News Network, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
More News
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: JAARS, Inc. For decades now, we’ve landed planes on narrow rivers and towering mountains. We’ve outfitted boats and vehicles to reach villages that rarely se>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.20.24): Light Gun
See All