Flight Design introduces C4

Flight Design has publically debuted a full-size proof-of-concept model of its forthcoming C4 at AERO 2011.

The all-composite high-wing four-seat C4 is based on the Flight Design two-seat CT series of LSAs.

However, the German light aircraft manufacturer has also spent the last few months canvassing its current customer base, prospective customers, and global dealer network to gauge what the market wants from the aircraft in terms of performance and features. This process has primarily been conducted via an online survey, which can be found here.

“We want to create the optimal four-seat aircraft for our customers,” Flight Design Chief Technical Officer Oliver Reinhardt said. “Engineers often put emphasis on certain features of a new design, while a flight school or a private owner might want something we did not consider. So we are putting our concept of the C4 design out for the public to participate in the process.”

Flight Design’s engineering staff has been working on the C4 project for several years and the final design is nearing completion. Full specifications and design will be finalised following the Airventure Oshkosh 2011 airshow in the US in late July, with the aim of displaying a conforming C4 flight test prototype at AERO 2012 and Florida’s Sun ‘n Fun 2012.

Flight Design, traditionally an LSA manufacturer, is aiming for the first flight of the C4 prototype in early 2012 and EASA (European) certification in late 2012.