Kunovice in Czech Republic is best known in the transport aircraft sector as the birthplace of Let L-410. From over a decade ago, however, a little known light transportation aircraft is being developed there as well – the Evektor Ev-55. I had a chance to visit the offices and manufacturing facilities of Evektor and to talk with Evektor’s marketing manager – Martin Ruzicka to learn more about the new aircraft earlier this year.
From Ultralights to a 9-Seater
Evektor, EASA-certified aircraft manufacturer based in Kunovice, Czech Republic is one of the world leading light sport aircraft producers.
Besides manufacturing aircraft, Evektor is also involved in designing aircraft components and conducting simulations for other manufacturers including work on Boeing and Airbus projects.
With Kunovice being home to a number of ultralight aircraft manufacturers and the competition in the market generally increasing, Evektor conducted market research to look for opportunities. A result of that was the Evektor Ev-55 – a 9 to 14 seat aircraft.
Development of the Turboprop Ev-55
The development of the aircraft started more than 10 years ago in 2004, and the aircraft took-off into the air for the first time for a 30 minute test flight on June 24, 2011.
To date, three prototypes were made of which the first one (OK-JRU) and third one (OK-DRM) are flying prototypes while number 2 is being used for stress testing. OK-DRM – the first production-conforming prototype took off for the first time on April 8, 2016.
In 2014, Evektor applied for EASA type certification, and first certification flights were flown in 2015Q1. The certification process is expected to finish in 2019 after which serial production will begin. While the aircraft is still in the certification stage, Evektor has already acquired the machinery necessary to start initial serial production.
While most aircraft similar in size are piston powered, the Evektor Ev-55 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-21 turboprop engines paired with 4-blade Avia propellers. It has a range of 1,400 nautical miles and a maximum take-off weight of 4,600 kg.
The aircraft boasts STOL capabilities and is able to operate from unpaved runways making it an ideal aircraft even for the toughest airports in the world such as the ones in Nepal.
Versatile Aircraft Waiting for Orders
The aircraft will be available in full passenger, full cargo and combi configurations with only 30 minutes required to switch between the configurations.
The full passenger version will come equipped with 9 seats in a 1-1 configuration in order to meet the requirements of the “normal” category aircraft under the FAR rules. Optionally, it can be configured with 14 seats in a 1-2 configuration in countries that do not impose the 9-seat rule on “normal” aircraft. In the passenger configuration, luggage can be stored in the nose and rear cargo compartments.
In the cargo version, besides the nose and rear cargo compartments there is a about 9.5 cubic meters of space available for cargo in the main cabin. The combi version comes in either 3 or 5 passenger configuration leaving 4.8 cubic meters and 3.0 cubic meters of cargo space in the main cabin.
Besides the three main configurations, the aircraft is also expected to become available in a floats, skydiving and military versions.
The company hasn’t opened the order book yet, however, the aircraft has received interest from commuter airlines operating in Africa, Nepal and the United States among others.
