Proofs positive
Cessna unveils LSA, Next
Generation Piston proof of concept aircraft
By James Wynbrandt
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Cessna CEO Jack
Pelton unveils the company’s proof-of-concept light-sport
aircraft at Monday’s press conference. Photo by Jim Koepnick |
Cessna Aircraft Company
Chairman, President, and CEO Jack Pelton unveiled the company’s
light-sport aircraft (LSA) proof of concept aircraft and presented a
surprise fly-by of the Cessna’s next-generation standard category
piston aircraft at a press conference in AeroShell Square at EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2006 yesterday morning.
Cessna announced last month it was
studying the feasibility of developing an LSA and would introduce the
proof of concept at AirVenture, and the unveiling was highly
anticipated, drawing a large crowd to the press conference. The LSA
category, created two years ago, comprises aircraft with a maximum gross
weight of 1,320 pounds, a top speed of 120 knots, and no more than two
seats. It is the fastest growing sector of general aviation.
"We believe we can
bring unique capabilities with our sales, distribution, training and
support network, and it appears to be the logical extension to our
product line," Pelton said in explaining the company’s interest
in the LSA market. "But most important, we believe that the
light-sport aircraft may be the key to stimulating new pilots,
re-energizing the industry and feeding the important pipeline of human
talent, which is so important to all of us in this industry."
Moments later Pelton
formally introduced the aircraft, and the black cover draped over the
airframe was removed, revealing a ruby red and white two-place,
high-wing design with purple trim and yellow piping. It’s constructed
mostly from aluminum with some composite in the cowl and fairings.
Accessed by upward opening doors, the interior of the aircraft, which
has not yet flown, was bare. Cabin width is 48 inches. The Cessna Sport,
as it’s dubbed, will be powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912 engine. Gross
weight (1,320 pounds) and airspeed (120 knots) are both the maximum
allowed in the category. No price has been set but Pelton said the
company expects it to be "competitive" with other LSAs in the
market.
Pelton emphasized the
decision on whether to proceed with the project will not be made until
the first quarter of 2007, but it will be influenced by the feedback the
company receives here at AirVenture.
"We want to make
sure that this aircraft is what the market wants, and what better way to
do that than to get your opinions right here at the show. So we’re
inviting you to share your thoughts by filling out survey forms that we
have here," Pelton said.
Survey forms are
available at the Cessna Exhibit (Main Aircraft Display area 143-156) and
at AeroShell Square where the Cessna Sport is on display.
Surprise in the sky
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Cessna, the Next
Generation. The all-new NGP makes a quick pass up Runway 36,
showing off its cantilevered wing and sleek, compound-curve
design during its world debut on the opening day of EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2006. Photo by Dave Hidgdon |
As spectators admired the
aircraft, Pelton noted the company is often asked about plans for new
piston aircraft in the standard category. "We’re planning to
develop a next generation aircraft in the not too distant future,"
Pelton said, directing attendees’ attention to the flightline, where a
single-engine, fixed-gear, high-wing aircraft appeared from the south
and performed a fly by. "The NGP" (Next Generation Piston),
Pelton announced as the plane flew by. "It’s our baby."
Design features of the NGP proof of
concept include a forward-swept strutless wing and advanced shape
fuselage. The aircraft, which has flown some 20 hours, represents a
family of aircraft Cessna intends to produce. Pelton said it was too
early to release performance numbers or specifications. "We’re
confident it will be a world-class airplane," he said. "Cessna
has been the undisputed leader in general aviation for more than half a
century, and we intend to widen that advantage even further in the
decades ahead."
