Kestrel Turboprop Program Back On Track... With Alan Klapmeier As CEO!

As we noted in our breaking news coverage late last week, it's nice to finally be able to report two major pieces of news... a new life for the highly respected Kestrel Turboprop program... and the return of Alan Klapmeier to the leadership of an innovative general aviation design and manufacturing program.

Both Maine Governor John E. Baldacci and Kestrel Aircraft Company (KAC) have confirmed to ANN, the selection of Brunswick Landing, at the soon to be decommissioned Naval Air Station Brunswick (NASB), as their home to develop, certify and manufacture their class-defining, state-of-the-art, composite turboprop aircraft, the Kestrel.

Kestrel Aircraft is a new company formed to complete the FAA certification and produce the Kestrel. The company will be led by CEO and Chairman Alan Klapmeier and other seasoned professionals with broad aviation and business experience. Alan has a rich and distinguished background in aviation. In 1984, he founded Cirrus Design and until recently, led the company which manufactured the largest selling piston aircraft in the world. He resigned from the company in 2009 to pursue other aircraft development ventures.

The Kestrel development team notes that the program represents the application of advanced materials, advanced aerodynamic theory and cutting-edge construction techniques to produce a striking aircraft that redefines its class, yet is safe and easy to operate.

The Kestrel breaks new ground in aircraft performance, delivering a maximum cruise speed higher than competing models, an impressively short climb time to cruise altitude at maximum weight, and the option to fly further, faster, while carrying more. No other single-engine turboprop comes close in performance and versatility.

FMI: www.kestrel.aero, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews