Italian GA manufactuer Tecnam this week released a short take-off and landing version of its P2012 Traveller 11-seat short-haul platform.
Called simply the P2012 STOL, the new version is fitted with Continental GTSIO-520-S engines with three-bladed propellers instead of the Traveller's Lycoming TIO-540 motors turning four-bladed props. The STOL also has a wingspan of 16.6 m, 2.6 metres longer than the Traveller.
“For decades, STOL aircraft market have been left undeveloped and unsupported, leaving operators with very little options for supporting and expanding their operations," said Tecnam Managing Director.Giovanni Pascale.
"Tecnam's response to meeting the needs of these businesses is a modern aircraft that addresses current needs with an innovative solution. Manufacturing the STOL of the 21st Century grants accessibility to the world’s most remote and challenging commercial airports, increasing the regional connectivity while exceeding customers' expectations”
Although Tecnam has taken specific measures not to mention the Britten-Norman Islander as the target aircraft, comparisons between the two are hard to avoid.
"From the performance perspective the P2012 STOL can easily and more comfortably carry an equivalent payload of the most known British STOL aircraft while matching its take-off and landing performances," Tecnam states, "Moreover, the P2012 STOL can also outperform its useful load by 20% up to a remarkable value of 1284 kg / 2830 lb while performing a STOL mission."
Tecnam is quoting a take-off roll/distance for the STOL of 275/425 m and a landing roll of 155/360 m. The rate of climb has also increased from 1150 fpm on the Traveller to 1400 fpm on the STOL. However, the useful load is down 200 kg and the max cruise speed is only 185 KTAS, significantly less than the Traveller's 226 KTAS.
“Tecnam took up the challenge of providing a modern, safe, and efficient solution to one of the most demanding aircraft commercial missions: the STOL mission," said Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 Sales & Business Development Manager and Experimental Test Pilot.
"Developing and testing this aircraft provided the opportunity to outperform current ageing aircraft, while facing nowadays more restrictive safety regulations.
"The P2012 STOL delivers best in class take-off and landing capabilities while contemporarily offering the latest ergonomic design and passenger comfort, elevating the passengers’ experience in the STOL mission to the ultimate aviation standards."