New Zealand's Pacific Aerospace plans to release an upgraded version of the P-750 single-engine turbo-prop (SETP) as it faces a revitalised future under new ownership.
Branded the Super-PAC and aimed primarily at the skydiving market, the new aircraft will boast a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140 turbine in place of the -34 engine in the current P-750. The new engine is expected to provide a 27% increase in climb rate and a 23% reduction in fuel usage to 13,000 feet.
The aircraft was in the pipeline before Pacific Aerospace Limited (PAL) went into liquidation in February this year. NZSkydive Limited took over the assets of the company in April and has continued with the company trading as Pacific Aerospace.
"The aircraft is much anticipated by skydive operators throughout the world," PAC General Manager - Engineering and Acting CEO Stephen Burrows told Australian Flying. "It will also be suited to customers operating in hot, mountainous terrain.
"Former company Pacific Aerospace Limited had invested a lot of effort bringing this variant to market but was unable to complete its development before it went into liquidation.
"NZSkydive is committed to competing the programme and are on track to complete the flight test programme in the new year."
The Super-PAC will be able to carry 17 skydivers or eight tandem pairs and will carry Garmin G600 avionics.
NZSkydive has successfully achieved CAANZ Part 146 Design, 19F Supply and limited 148 manufacturing certification and expects to have full 148 scope in February 2022.
The company is also committed to supporting all type certificates previously held by PAL including 750XL XSTOL, 08-600 Cresco, FU24 Fletcher series, CT4 series and FBA-2C (E350 Expedition) series.