Changes Include Canopy Glass, Avionics Options
Thursday at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Micco Aircraft Company, Inc.
announced several improvements to its 2008 production aircraft,
including the use of a new material for its large bubble canopy
made by LP Aero Plastics, Inc.
"The new Solar Gray SG-UV tint blocks 99% of UVA and UVB
radiation," explained Micco president F. DeWitt Becket, "and 30%
more near infrared heat than standard tints. This helps provide a
cooler, healthier cabin for the occupants and preserves interior
and avionics."
LP Aero Plastics, Inc. has provided windscreens, canopies, and
back glass for Micco since the company's first certified aircraft
in 2000. "That partnership continues to bring innovation and
improvements to the Micco SP26A production for 2008 and on." The
SP26A is Micco's complex, high-performance, instrument-equipped,
tailwheel aerobatic aircraft.
Additionally, Micco announced the selection of the SN3500 EHSI
from Sandel Avionics, Inc. as the optional electronic HSI for the
SP26A. Solid-state instruments are less susceptible than gyroscopic
instruments to the stresses caused by aerobatic maneuvers
Micco has also revamped its autopilot selection, making the Century
4000 autopilot from Century Flight Systems, Inc. available as an
option for the new SP26A. The Century 4000 provides a full
autopilot with glidescope coupling, something not previously
available on Micco aircraft.
"Our main thrust right now is trying to reduce the empty weight
of the airplane and incorporate some of the new technology that we
have," Beckett told ANN. While he went on to say that Micco has no
immediate plans to offer a glass panel option at this time, he
acknowledged that the possibility is being investigated for the
future. "Somebody is going to want an upset trainer with a
glass panel. When they do we'll take a look at that."
Micco Aircraft Company, Inc. started in 1994, when it began
designing aircraft derived from the Meyers 145 of the late
40s/early 50s. In 2000, the company received its first
certification on a 200 h.p. version of its aircraft, and 10 months
later received certification on a 260 h.p. model. The company had
its aerobatic model certified in 2001. After a tenuous past
resulting in the company's sale and closure, the company has
returned in 2007.
According to Beckett, Micco plans to market the SP26A as an
upset trainer to flight schools and universities, and the company
is looking at contracts to put the SP26A in service as a primary
military trainer.