Ibis Aerospace Ae270 Specs and Description

Background/History

In 1997, Ibis Aerospace Ltd. was formed expressly to develop market and support production of the Ae270. This joint venture company is backed by Aero Vodochody of the Czech Republic and AIDC of Taiwan. Beginning in the 1920s, the Czech factories of Aero Vodochody produced significant numbers of bombers, fighters, trainers, commercial transport aircraft, and airliners for over five decades. Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) was established in 1969 under the authority of Republic of China Air Force, and was later transferred to the Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST). In 1996 AIDC was transformed from a military establishment into a government-owned company. AIDC’s business strategy has turned from solely military applications to a diversified provider to both military and commercial markets. The expertise and capability of AIDC is in aircraft system integration, aircraft development, parts manufacturing, aircraft assembly and testing. Engineers from Aero Vodochody embarked on a mission in the late 1980’s to create an original new alternative for light aviation. The result was the high-performance single-engine turboprop aircraft, Ae270 Propjet. Ibis next has to find new partners and launch production. The aircraft still isn’t up-to-specification and will need redesign of wing, empennage and systems to lose 440 lbs in order to reach the payload (six passengers in the pressurized cabin) and 300 mph cruising speed targets. The Ae 270 is already three years late and the catch-up plan involves building five “heavy” Spirits to get the program moving

Power

The Ae270 Propjet is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66A turboprop engine with a 4-blade Hartzell propeller. Rated take-off power is 850 SHP. The 96 inch diameter, constant speed propeller is constructed of aluminum alloy, is reversible with full feathering and electric de-icing boots.

Avionics

The Ae270 avionics package features multiple options as part of the APEX system, including state-of-the-art electronics and flat panel displays. The APEX system includes digital com/nav radios, digital auto pilot, a completely digital flight management system, as well as three 10.4” LCD displays, which display the EICAS (Engine Indicating and Caution Alert System, weather radar, and all other information the pilot needs. The Ae270 is also available with a traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), enhanced ground proximity warning system, radio altimeter, Mode S transponder, DME, ADF, and Honeywell’s Flight Information Service.

Design Features

The Ae270 Propjet is a large cabin, single-engine turboprop aircraft designed for FAR Part 135 single-pilot operation, to perform a wide range of missions, including the transport of passengers, bulk cargo or combinations of both. It can accommodate up to nine passengers plus pilot. With a useful load of up to 3,300 lbs., the Ae270 Propjet delivers performance and flexibility in a pressurized aircraft. Integrating a single 850 SHP turboprop engine into an aluminum airframe, the Ae270’s large cabin accommodates multiple configurations, ranging from executive transport to long distance delivery of cargo and oversized equipment.

Accomodations

The Ae270 Propjet has the flexibility to provide executive transportation, high density seating options, large payload, or bulk cargo delivery. It can accommodate up to nine passengers plus the pilot. It is equipped with an integral air stairs for loading passengers and carry-on baggage and a built-in 4-foot wide main cabin access for loading of both passengers and cargo. The door-by-a-door concept makes it possible to open a second adjoining door for the loading of bulky items and cargo. The Ae270 uses both bleed air from the PT6 engine and ram air to control cabin air temperature. In addition to the bleed/ram air system, the Ae270 incorporates an electrically driven supplemental air system. This system allows the aircraft to be pre-cooled on the ground before flight and can be run during takeoff or emergency conditions.