TYPE: Light utility twin-prop transport.
PROGRAMME: Announced at Paris, June 1999, as a concept based on the VulcanAir AP.68TP Viator. Diesel engine test-flown on a tri-motor-configured P.68C in March 2001 and Phase 1 of the certification process has been completed; flying with the diesel engines running was due to start in late 2001, but certification target date has been put back to 2005.
DESIGN FEATURES: Version of the P.68 series incorporating two diesel engines. Cantilever, untapered high wing of same span and from as P.68C but with upturned wingtips; aerofoil section NACA 63-3515, with Hoerner wingtips; dihedral 1o, incidence 1o 3'.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Actuation by pushrods and cables; trim tabs on elevators, rudder and ailerons; elevator has vortex generators under leading-edge; down spring in elevator circuit; stall strips on wing leading-edges; electrically actuated single-slotted flaps.
STRUCTURE: All-metal stressed skin fuselage; two-spar torsion box wing; metal control surfaces.
LANDING GEAR: Retractable tricycle type; main gear retracts hydraulically inward into fuselage fairings, nosewheel forward; Cleveland mainwheels size 40-163EA; Cleveland 40-778 nosewheel; McCreary 6.50-8 mainwheel tyres and 6.00-6 on nosewheel; Cleveland powered hydraulic disc brakes. Minimum ground turning radius 5.45 m (17 ft 11 in).
POWER PLANT: Two 224 kW (300 hp) Zoche ZO 02A eight-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engines, each driving a three-blade, constant-speed, fully feathering, reversible-pitch propeller. Fuel capacity 848 litres (224 US gallons; 187 Imp gallons); overwing gravity refuelling.
ACCOMMODATION: Two plus up to eight passengers; two doors to port, one for pilot and one for passengers; two doors to starboard, one for co-pilot and one for baggage; baggage compartment variable by using part of cabin; baggage accessible in flight.
SYSTEMS: Two 28 V DC 150 Ah starter/generators; one 24 V 29 Ah battery; hydraulics for brakes and landing gear actuation, pressurised by electric pump; electric anti-icing for engine intake and propellers, and pneumatic de-icing boots, standard.
AVIONICS: VFR radio and instruments standard; full IFR with weather radar and Bendix/King Silver Crown or Collins radios optional; observation equipment optional.
