The development program of Tecnam's P2012 Traveller, a twin-engine replacement for legacy charter aircraft, is on track according to the Italian manufacturer.
The 11-seat FAR23 P2012 was designed to replace old charter twins such as the Cessna 400 series and the Piper Chieftain and Navajo.
With development progressing well, the company is confident the Traveller will meet the scheduled roll-out of Q4 2015.
First tests on the preliminary P2012 design to verify the main aircraft elements such as the fuselage and tail planes "has confirmed the excellent parameter declared on the initial production program, underscoring the Tecnam leadership team’s confidence in an on-time development, production, flight test and delivery programme," a company release put out today says.
Tecnam’s Head of R&D, Prof. Luigi Pascale, designed the P2012 to reduce operating costs for charter operators.
The aircraft is a high-wing, fixed-gear and powered by two Lycoming TEO piston engines.
Initial flight-testing is expected to start early next year, co-inciding with new P2012 factory opening in Capua, Italy.