Flight Design to show off C4 mock-up at EAA AirVenture

German manufacturer Flight Design is exhibiting a full-size mock-up of its forthcoming four-seat high-wing C4 for the first time outside of Europe.

After enjoying plenty of global success in the LSA market, Flight Design has set its sights on the certified aircraft market with the C4.

The company publically debuted the C4 mock-up at the AERO 2011 GA trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany in April, where it secured 30 orders for the new model.

Now, in anticipation of this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh later this month, Flight Design have shipped the full-size C4 mockup to the US in the hope of making a sizeable impact on the largest GA market in the world.

Initial specifications for the C4, which have been worked up in close consultation with would-be buyers via customer surveying, include a carbon fibre design, a max cruise speed of 160 knots at 6000ft AMSL, and a MTOW of 1197 kg and useful load of just under 600 kg. The C4’s fuel capacity of 265 litres will provide a range of 1200 nm with a conventional Avgas powerplant at 65 per cent power and up to 1700 nm with the planned optional diesel engine using more globally available Jet A fuel.

These yet to be validated figures will be confirmed as the development process progresses.

With 52 inches of cabin width at the front and 47 inches for the rear seats, Flight Design expects the C4 to be able to comfortably seat a 6ft 7inch passenger in the back seat. And the cabin will have three entry doors including one on the left that hinges aft and an external baggage door.

“We want to offer the market a modern technology, price-efficient aircraft that performs well, is comfortable for longer flights, and which operates with less fuel expense,” Flight Design CEO Matthias Betsch said.

“Our ongoing customer surveying shows us that price tops the demand list from customers and we believe our prices can result in sales volumes of 200 to 500 aircraft per year.”

First C4 customer deliveries are planned for early 2013, and the aircraft has a not-to-exceed price of €220,000. The manufacturer plans to announce initial C4 component supplier partners and provide a C4 program update at EAA AirVenture.

To participate in the online survey regarding design features of C4, click here.

CAPTION: Displaying the full-size C4 mock-up at AERO 2011 lead to Flight Design signing 30 orders for the new model. (Flight Design)