30 September 2024
+VIDEO Mike Patey’s incredible hyperstol aircraft Draco is to go into production as a brand new manufacturer.
Draco Aircraft is acquiring the rights to the PZL Wilga from current owner, Airbus Poland, and has also agreed a deal with Mike Patey, creator and pilot of the original Draco, for the use of his concepts.
Patey’s Draco was heavily modified from the 260hp piston-engined PZL-104 Wilga, with a 680hp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28 turboprop engine, bigger wing and fuel tanks in the undercarriage legs. Draco could take off in less than 80 feet and climb at 4,200ft/min.
The new Draco Wilga will be certified in both Europe and the USA. It will have seating for four, a luxury cabin and all safety features although they haven’t been defined yet.
Draco Aircraft has been created to bring to life a certified version of Mike Patey’s visionary Draco concept, said a company statement. Mike Patey has authorised the use of his concepts – despite Draco crashing in 2019.
Draco Aircraft will be led by former Airbus Senior Vice President and CEO of Airbus Poland, Johannes von Thadden, along with a team of partners and senior designers.
Airbus Poland’s former head of design for Wilga, Tomasz Wolf, will become Chief Engineering and Design Advisor, making sure that the transfer of knowhow and the build up of the Draco Aircraft design and engineering team will be smooth.
“Draco will be designed and built in Poland, but made available to customers worldwide,” confirmed Johannes von Thadden.
The team behind Draco Aircraft
Airbus Poland’s Managing Director, Javier Medina, added, “Our cooperation with Draco Aircraft will allow to continue the proud history of ‘Wilga’ and with ‘Draco’ will add another jewel to Poland’s aviation expertise.
“Airbus Poland will not only transfer the intellectual property rights, the type certificate and tooling, but also support Draco Aircraft with the EASA-required design services until Draco Aircraft has certified its own design organisation.”
‘Draco’ will come in several versions, according to the company. First, the aircraft for private customers, then a version for public customers with border control being cited as an example. An electric version is mooted and finally a version for military needs.
“‘Draco’ will become a whole aircraft family responding to different needs,” said von Thadden.
