Czech Republic manufacturer Evektor has put its twin-engine turboprop EV–55 Outback project on hold following administrative difficulties.
Evektor, widely known for its Eurostar and Sportstar LSAs, announced the introduction of the EV-55 Outback earlier this year in a move that aims to extend the Evektor range beyond the currently available four-seat, retractable undercart VUT 100 Cobra.
Evektor has been pushing the EV–55 Outback as a low cost, versatile alternative to twin-engine piston utility aircraft and single-engine utility turboprops and had been targeting Australia, along with the US, Canada and Russia, as markets of particular potential.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21 engines, the high-wing aircraft can carry up to 14 passengers, reach a top speed of 220 knots and has a MTOW of 4600kg and a Basic Empty Weight of 2626kg. It also boasts short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, offers flexible cabin configurations for various missions and can be fitted with floats.
At the launch, Evektor had slated the aircraft’s first flight for the end of the third quarter of this year, however with that period having now come and gone the Czech manufacturer has said the project has been postponed.
“Unfortunately, I must inform you that the first flight of the new twin-engine aircraft EV-55 Outback is postponed,” Evektor’s marketing manager Petr Grebeníek told the US AOPA. “It was caused, above all, by administrative reasons.
“From the technical point of view, the aircraft is ready for its first flight. The aircraft assembling and installations of its systems have been completed. We are working intensively to get over these administrative obstacles.”
Grebeníek now says the EV-55 Outback’s first flight will take place, “in the coming months”.
The Evektor EV-55 Outback twin-engine turboprop during testing in the Czech Republic. (Evektor)
