7 June 2022
A new lease of life is on the cards for the Grumman/Gulfstream American GA-7 Cougar light twin, with a variety of possible power units from diesel to hybrid-electric.
A hybrid-electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) version has even been suggested by NFX Aero, the latest owners of the GA-7 type certificate, rights and assets.
VTOL hybrid-electric version of the NFX GA-7
The GA-7 is type certified in both the US and Europe and was originally designed by Grumman American, which changed its name to Gulfstream American before production started in 1978. Production lasted just two years with 115 Cougars delivered.
Socata took up the type certificate in the mid-1990s with the aim of producing an updated TB360 light twin but it didn’t go into production.
Socata, now Daher, sold the rights in 2019 to Cougar Aircraft Co which recently changed its name to NFX Aero.
NFX Aero GA-7
NFX Aero is headed by CEO Wayne Mansfield, a veteran of aviation businesses. He pointed out the advantages of the GA-7 NFX, starting with the fact that the GA-7 is already fully FAA and EASA approved for public transport.
Mr Mansfield said in statement, “We are working to bring this airplane into the 21st century. We’ve spoken with Soloy about a diesel conversion, and I’ve always harbored a not-so-secret desire to put a pair of Allison C-250s [turbines] on this airframe.
“That said, the GA-7 is a fine airplane offering good performance at lower cost with the unleaded approved O-320-D1D.
“We are rebranding the GA-7 and the company as the NFX – New Flight Experience. You may be aware that NASA plans to utilize America’s 5,050 public use airports for their RAM – Regional Air Mobility Program. Most American homes are only 16 minutes away from a local public airport. RAM trips of up to 500 miles could be accomplished door to door in 3 hours in the GA-7.
“With the potential for reduced or net zero emissions powerplants, this opens fast, eco-friendly travel without the worry of expensive parking, intrusive security, and the discomfort of boarding lines – not to mention disease, terrorism, or just plain old bad behavior of fellow travelers.
“Beyond the green revolution, there is the training market. A new GA-7 with reduced weight from a glass panel and light weight props/accessories would be a star. What’s more, with jet and SAF operable powerplants, the global market opens right up.
“We remain committed to making this an American project and not funded by the Chinese.”
