Swift reveals new two-seat production aircraft

Swift Aircraft has revealed the final design of its all-new two-seat light aircraft. Swift says manufacturing has started and the aircraft will have its maiden flight in 2017. The intention is to have the Swift type certificated with EASA as a VLA (Very Light Aircraft).

Flight training for both civilian private pilots and military pilots has been targeted. Features include side-by-side seating, cruise speed of 137kt, and payload sufficient to carry full fuel, two crew and baggage. The Swift will also be capable of aerobatics with load limits of +/-6g.

Illustrations released by Swift Aircraft today show the aircraft has evolved from the first design – it looks as though the exhaust exits behind the wing trailing edge. A three-blade prop is fitted. The laminar construction elliptical wing has echoes of the Spitfire, and the canopy slides rearwards for entry and exit. The aircraft will have a carbon fibre wing and glass fibre fuselage.

The Swift has been promised since 2007 when the company was founded with the ambitious promise to revitalise the British light aviation industry. Since then, Swift Aircraft has acquired Europa Aircraft and updated 21 ex-military Slingsby Firefly aircraft for civilian and military use.

Swift Aircraft