Flight Design Will Unveil Proof-Of-Concept Airplane This
Spring
It can't be an LSA, because by
definition that class of airplane has only two seats. But while
legacy companies like Cessna and Piper look to make inroads into
the "entry level" LSA market, LSA manufacturer Flight Design says
it will show a proof-of-concept a four-place airframe in the U.S.
at AirVenture this summer.
The German manufacturer will exhibit its C4 airframe model first
in April at Aero 2011 in Freidrichshafen, Germany. At that time,
the interior treatment will be presented as a 3D projection. Prior
to that show, the company will be seeking comments from its current
customer base, prospective customers, and dealer network. "We want
to create the optimal four-seat aircraft for our customers," said
Chief Technical Officer Oliver Reinhardt. "Engineers often put
emphasis on certain features on a new design, while a flight school
or a private owner might want something we did not consider, so we
are putting our concept of the C4 design out for the public to
participate in the process."
Those comments can be made through an online survey, which will
go live on the Internet March 1st. Flight Design's engineering
staff has been working on the C4 project for several years, and the
final design is nearing completion. "After Airventure at Oshkosh
2011, we plan to freeze development, and at Aero and Sun 'n Fun
2012, customers will be able to examine one of the conforming
flight test prototypes. EASA approval is targeted for the end of
2012," explained Flight Design Chief Procurement Officer, Christian
Wenger. "We are working closely with our suppliers on the
development schedule and the standard equipment for the
aircraft."
"With the CT series and the MC, we have created ground-breaking
two-seat aircraft that offer superior performance and utility with
our customers and dealers contributing significantly to the
development," said Reinhardt. "With the C4, we will pursue this
even further." In a brief time, the company will adopt future
technologies such as the Flight Design Hybrid eDrive power system,
which is already in early development.
"We are now working towards full type certificates for the CTLS
and MC and we plan to certify the C4 to several international
standards including Part 23 in the United States. At the same time
we intend to improve our capability in global service and support,
further expanding our leadership in these areas," said CEO Matthias
Betsch. The German company has already passed several examinations
including a LAMA audit, ISO audit, and a review by TÜV.
Recently the company gained EASA Design Organization Approval that
permits Flight Design to progress without further involvement from
EASA.
Besides surveys at Aero and Lakeland 2011, everyone can be part
of the design development via the online survey. All participants
will be entered into a drawing for a Garmin aera 500 GPS as a grand
prize.