Home grown

The first was an established entity that really announced its arrival many years ago with the then-named Gippsland Aeronautics GA8 Airvan. With the involvement of Malaysian-based Mahindra Aerospace the names have changed, but the practical approach to providing well-built, functional utility aircraft has remained the constant. The latest offering is the new Airvan 10.

In developing the Airvan 10 there was a genuine attempt to maintain as much commonality with the original Airvan 8 as possible and this is evident in its basic appearance. The common traits of good propeller clearance, sizeable doors, a central aisle between seats and a wing high enough to back a fuel drum laden vehicle beneath, still remain.

However, the Airvan 10 truly announces its difference with the presence of a dominant turbo-prop engine out in front. The Rolls Royce 250 B-17 engine produces 450 shaft horsepower while burning around 100 litres/hour, making it the most economical 10 seat turboprop in its class. Beyond the enhanced performance, the turbine engine addresses the growing issue of ever-reducing stocks of AVGAS in many parts of the world. Countries where this is a problem such as India, Africa and South East Asia are also potential markets for a 10-seat utility aircraft such as the Airvan 10.

The Airvan 10 can carry more than a tonne of cargo, which is around 200kg more than its predecessor. The rear cargo door is also sizeable enough to accommodate the loading of a pallet – common sense emerges again. Additionally, a cargo pod can be fitted beneath with a capacity of 25 cubic feet (0.7 cubic metres).

The aircraft will capably fulfil the traditional utility roles of freight, parachute operations, scenic work, search and rescue and so on. However, with an endurance of 8 hours and a spacious interior it could also potentially meet the specifications for very specialised roles such as surveillance.

Proudly based in Latrobe Valley, Victoria the Airvan 10 has been 5 years in development and as a result of significant investment by Mahindra Aerospace. Bringing a new aircraft type to life is a major process, even when building upon the strong heritage of the Airvan 8. Now with final certification imminent, the Airvan 10 is not only ready to take on the marketplace, with its Rolls Royce turboprop it presented a formidable presence on the flight line at Avalon.

Almost discreetly positioned in one of the massive exhibition halls sat a clean white dome that resembled a mini-observatory, however there was not a telescope to be seen for this was a new style of flight simulator known as SynFlyt. When CEO and Engineering Director, Ross Maclennan first envisaged this flight simulator nearly a decade ago, he wanted it to be different to those already available. At first glance, the white modular SynFlyt simulator at appears to have met that initial goal.

The Sydney-based company is currently refining its ‘Beta’ version – more advanced than a prototype, but a forerunner to the production model which will commence this July. Through an interchangeable console, the 3 degree full-motion simulator can be configured to represent a range of aircraft from Cessna 172 to Cirrus Light Jet, Citation Mustang and even gliders.

Much of the beauty is more than skin deep and the original design of the team at SynFlyt. The most obvious element is that the device is effectively a sphere, rather than a ‘box’, which functionally and aesthetically lends itself to the concept of flight in three dimensions. A patented system facilitates maximum contact with the rollers on which the device is mounted for smoother motion.

Beaming from 4 ceiling-mounted projectors, satellite imagery fills the 210 degree wrap-around screen with a realism that surpasses the similar computer generated imagery that is normally used. With such access to satellite imagery, every runway or bush strip in the world can be called upon for training purposes. Sitting inside, even when stationary, it is easy to become immersed in the virtual world around you. There is the ability to overlay a range of weather conditions on the scenery, from thunderstorms and rain to wind and sleet. SynFlyt designed software is employed on a tablet to provide not only functionality within the simulator, but as a simple and secure means to access training data and provide feedback.

Traditionally, the greatest commercial hurdles to the proliferation of general aviation simulators have been twofold – capital outlay and physical space. Recognising this from the outset, Maclennan has organised a zero cost placement scheme with an ongoing commission arrangement which includes full technical support. In the matter of flight schools finding enough available space to house the simulator, SynFlyt has thought outside the box. Their device is durable and designed to be fixed to a slab outdoors, with a back-up battery and air-conditioning unit to be situated beneath the stairs.

The value of simulator training at all levels of aviation cannot be underestimated. Beyond being merely cost-effective it allows the instructor to stop, rewind and repeat with ease, while relevant currency can be easily achieved. Australian-designed from the ground up and answering the major questions often posed by flight schools, SynFlyt has the potential to make general aviation simulators the norm.

From across the Tasman, Pacific Aerospace showcased that the newly acquired E-350 Expedition. Originally manufactured by the Canadian-based ‘Found’ company, Pacific Aerospace recently acquired the operation and are in the process of shipping the contents of the Canadian manufacturer, including tooling and the first aircraft.

The Expedition sits well with the Pacific Aerospace family as the smaller sibling to their Turbo-Prop PAC-750. Like its big brother, the Expedition is a sturdy single-engined airframe, built as a workhorse with the ability to operate into bush airstrips. However, the Expedition is a 5-seat high-wing aircraft and piston-powered by a Lycoming IO-580-B1A.

On inspection, the Expedition is a testament to practical thinking. Inside, the cabin is large and angular, not sacrificing space to the inner curves of a more rounded fuselage of extraneous lining. The floor is industrial and the rear row so seats are extremely easy to remove and replace. The doors are big, allowing oddly-shaped items to be loaded without great difficulty. Furthermore, the rear doors top corners are ‘clipped’, allowing them to open when the flaps are fully down. A very worthwhile asset in the event of an emergency landing. Like the doors, the windows are very big which would lend the aircraft to scenic work and search and rescue (SAR) operations alike. Its ability to sit atop floats also opens up a wealth of opportunities.

Vortex generators, big flaps and a significant wing cross-section all speak of lift generation and short field performance from an aircraft with a MTOW of 1,724kg and 680kg useful load. In the cockpit the two yokes have a common central mount and the trim wheel and rudder pedals are sturdy and functional. From a pilot’s perspective, there is a lot of headroom, easy access and egress and an impressive glass instrument panel is also available.

Pacific Aerospace are intent on ‘productionising’ the E-350, as they describe it. They explain that their goal is to install consistent processes into the manufacture of their aircraft and to that end one of their first airframes will be used to define and put these processes in place.

The Expedition is an aircraft says what it means on first meeting. This aircraft is built to work and its design suggests durable functionality. Pacific Aerospace’s goal is three airframes in 2017, growing to ten the following year. Given what the E-350 Expedition has to offer, such a goal would seem to be well within reach.

The Airvan 10, the SynFlyt Simulator and the E-350 Exedition are just three examples of what was on show and where the industry is moving. Not only did Avalon provide a spectacular showcase in the skies above, it provided a significant reminder to the many and varied elements that constitute and aerospace industry in Australia. Often overlooked, it is an industry filled with initiative, enthusiasm and expertise. Long may that remain the case.