11 December 2007
Liberty Aerospace, the manufacturer of the Liberty XL-2 light aircraft, has is to team up with Anyang Angel Aero Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd (also known as 3A) to build 600 XL-2s for use within the Peoples Republic of China.
The plans include the creation of a new manufacturing plant at Anyang Airport in Henan, designed specifically for the manufacture of the Liberty. The ultimate aim will be to create 100 aircraft, but until the factory is up and running airframes will be supplied from the USA to ‘meet the current demand for training’.
The XL-2 meets the full US Federal Aviation Part 23 airworthiness requirements as well as the Peoples Republic of China Civil Aviation Authorities Certification requirements.
The Liberty is the brainchild of British designer Ivan Shaw, who also created the Europa range of kitplanes.
This is just the latest in a series of aviation announcements involving China – the most notable recent one being Cessna’s decision to make its C162 SkyCatcher light sport aircraft there (see the January 2008 issue of <b><i>FLYER</i></b> for details). Liberty is quick to point out that the difference with their deal, though, is that the aircraft being manufactured in China are intended for use in that country.
