16 August 2012
Swift Aircraft has unveiled details of its new two-seater aeroplane, a project that Managing Director Dave Stanbridge describes as “The first UK-designed certified and built aircraft for more than 20 years.”
Speaking exclusively to FLYER, Dave explained that the Swift has been designed to fulfil requirements for three markets: a fully-certified EASA aircraft to the CS-VLA design code; a kit aircraft for amateur-build through approval of the LAA; and LSA covering both US and EASA specifications. There will also be a choice of three engines, both fixed- and variable-pitch propellers and four instrument panel choices.
Dave added, “The aircraft will be able to take two 95kg people with full baggage and full tanks, while a design margin has been added to allow for further upgrades in the future.”
“In addition, the aircraft will be aerobatic and night flight capable, although within the EASA States the latter will only be a possibility with the certified VLA model,” added Dave. “Our plan was always to furnish the market with a new up-to-date, affordable and adaptable two-seater training aircraft, as well as provide a very capable touring platform. We also want to provide flying schools with a modern aircraft to suit their needs and take away the uncertainty of their maintenance outage times.”
The timetable for development puts the construction of the main moulds at the end of 2012, for the aircraft to be airborne by the end of the third quarter of 2013 (initially as an amateur built aircraft) and the aircraft to be available for sale by early 2014. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Read more in the September issue of FLYER on sale now.
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