Initial flight for the Aero 270 Ibis

Published: 6/7/2000

The joint venture between Aero Vodochody and the Taiwanese producer AIDC, Ibis Aerospace based at Odolena Voda near Prague, has announced that its single turboprop, nine-utility transport plane, the Aero 270 Ibis, will fly within the next two weeks. The flight of the P&W powered aircraft has been delayed for three months due to delays in the delivery of essential equipment. Engine test were however, concluded last week and the Czech-assembled aircraft will be soon be ready for flight. Ibis are keen to have the aircraft meet its targeted sales start date of the end of 2001, given that the programme has slipped from its originally planned first flight in the later part of 1999. The company plans to certify the aircraft under FAR pt 23 in the Czech Republic in the middle of next year followed by US certification under the bilateral agreement between the two countries. A Walter M601 powered unpressurised version of the aircraft is planned. The company is also currently reported to working on the creation of a US distribution network ahead of certification.

Article ID: 1849