19 January 2011
WACO Classic has expanded its range of aircraft with the reintroduction of the Great Lakes Model 2T-1A-1/2, a fully aerobatic 180hp aircraft which, say it says, is ‘targeted at pilots and flight schools looking for a highly capable aerobatic aircraft with docile handling attributes’.
The aircraft was most recently produced in the 1980s, and is type certificated in the aerobatic category.
The design and construction techniques are very similar to the current Waco YMF-5D biplane produced by Waco Classic. However, the Great Lakes is smaller and features simple avionics and systems.
Several improvements to the earlier design are planned, including changing from the current wood spar to a new aluminum spar, upgrading the brakes, avionics updates and serviceability improvements.
Preliminary pricing for the Touring model fitted with a Lycoming IO-360-B1F6 is $219,000. The higher performance Sport model will feature the Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F6 engine, priced at $239,000.
Current plans are to introduce the aeroplane at this year’s Sun-N-Fun air show in April, with production starting late summer 2011, and first deliveries in early 2012.
The new Great Lakes annual sales are expected to be 10 to 12 aircraft a year and require an additional 20 production technicians, engineers and support staff. <a href=”http://www.wacoclassic.com”>Click here for more</a>
