Prototype Inverted V-Tail Aircraft Slated For Completion In '09

One of the more unusual designs to grace the ramp at Sebring the past two years has been Advanced Aero LLC's Inverted V-Tail Technology Demonstrator concept -- a small, pusher-powered, single-seat plane intended to prove the company's concept of a low-cost aircraft.

After achieving its first flight in January 2006, the concept has been slow to 'advance' beyond the development stage... but it appears that will soon change.

At the 2008 US Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL this week, the Melbourne, FL-based company announced a joint development and production agreement with Zenair Ltd., to eventually manufacture the two-place Vortex LSA.

"Achieving a strategic partnership with Zenair, one of the true pioneers in the Light Sport Aircraft industry, is a key milestone for us," said Advanced Aero President Chris Gagliano.

"Under the risk-sharing agreement, Zenair will assist Advanced Aero with the development of pre-production prototypes, scheduled for completion in early 2009, and then commence full production."

Over the past year, Advanced Aero has accumulated flight data from their concept plane, and continued to develop Computer Aided Design (CAD) models of the production aircraft.

"We approached the design aspects of our program just like a FAA Part 23 certified aircraft," Gagliano continued. "This is where our experience comes from, and it seemed to be the logical path forward. Our business model is based on creating strong relationships, such as partnering with Zenair Ltd. and AMD, the Orlando FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office (OMIDO), ASTM, LAMA, and grass roots aviation promoters like LSA Sebring Expo."

It was the level of 'homework' already performed by Advanced Aero that lured Zenair to the project, according to company manager and AMD President Mathieu Heintz.

"Advanced Aero has done a remarkable job in developing their new Inverted V-tail technology, and has reached a point of producing CAD models and detail drawings as good as any manufacturer currently in the light sport aircraft market. We are excited to work on such a promising design and look forward to full ASTM/FAA Light Sport Aircraft compliance approval."

The companies note they plan to produce the Vortex LSA in the US.

FMI: www.invertedvtail.com, www.newplane.com