Tue, Apr 17, 2007
NGP, LSA Concepts Modified Slightly As Testing Continues
As Aero-News reported earlier this
week, Cessna is displaying two aircraft at Sun 'N Fun
that likely represent the future direction of the storied
planemaker: the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Next Generation
Piston (NGP) proof-of-concept airplanes.
Cessna tells ANN it continues to evaluate these proof-of-concept
airplanes for design specifics, market demand, and whether or not
the products support a viable business case for production.
Several changes have been made to the LSA proof-of-concept after
78 hours of testing the flight envelope -- most notably, another
engine option. "We're evaluating the 100 horsepower Continental
O-200 engine and we have modified the nose cowl to fit the
Continental engine," said Neal Willford, project engineer for the
LSA. The plane originally flew with a Rotax 912.
After 126 hours of testing the NGP proof-of concept aircraft,
Cessna engineers are refining the aerodynamic design and systems.
The proof-of-concept aircraft is powered by a normally aspirated
315 horsepower Lycoming IO-580. Other engines are also being
considered for the NGP program.
The NGP is constructed using a higher percentage of composite
materials than Cessna's traditional aircraft. While the final
configuration isn't set in stone, Cessna says it is likely the
final configuration would be a hybrid of composite and aluminum
construction.
Cessna adamantly adds the (admittedly rough) interiors of the
LSA and NGP proof-of-concept airplanes are NOT indication of what
the production models would look like. Cessna says the company's
interior designs are being evaluated with human factors mockups.
The combination of developments from the proof-of-concept aircraft
and the human factors mockups will define what the production
planes would look like if the projects were to move forward.
Cessna's launch decisions on these aircraft are expected later
this year.
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