Comp Air said that its upcoming 12-turboprop aircraft had drawn much attention from the aviation circle and it aimed to pass certification in the first quarter of 2010.
--- The Comp Air 12 turboprop, equipped with a powerful Honeywell turbine, can climb to 29,000 feet at a speed of 310 knots. With a net weight, it can reach a climbing speed of 2800 feet/minute. The Comp Air 12 is an all-composite-material airplane with 8-10 seats. It is expected to consume 71 gallons/hour and has a maximum range of 2535 nautical miles.
--- Comp Air boss Ron Lueck emphasized the importance of safety during the certification process. He said: "This is personal experience, I am both a producer and a driver."
--- Honeywell technicians have been monitoring the engine and are working hard with Comp Air technicians to ensure the safety of the aircraft. The plane flying to Oshkosh is equipped with a liquid fire extinguishing system, a heat detection system using forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology, and a SOAP test system that detects engine wear every 50-100 hours.
--- The Honeywell TPE331-14GR engine provides 1650 horsepower and needs to be checked after operating for 9000 hours. The Comp Air 12 also uses fiber optic grating strain demodulators produced by Micron Optics of the United States, which is the same technology used on Boeing 787 passenger planes. The fiber health monitoring system can continuously monitor the structural integrity of the aircraft. This health monitoring system also includes vibrating wire sensors and strain gauges installed on the wings and stabilizers. Hundreds of hours of data can be stored, and temperature, pressure, and vibration signals as well as signal changes can be monitored throughout the entire testing process.
--- It will take some time for the Comp Air 12 to pass certification, and the company is currently looking for materials to establish a production model for the Comp Air 12. The power performance remains unchanged, but the body will be extended by 42 inches, and the horizontal tailplane will be integrated into the fuselage instead of being located on top of the fuselage. The size of the vertical tailplane will also increase, obviously a 1650-horsepower engine requires a larger rudder. Currently, Comp Air has applied to Downing Flying Association for assistance in certification and financing, with the ultimate goal of producing 100 units per year.
--- Earlier this year, the Comp Air 12 was unveiled to the public in Lakeland, and Mr. Lueck will personally fly the aircraft to participate in the AirVenture air show.