I haven’t worked out Flukey’s angle yet, but
Aviation International News refers to the American Ultilicraft FF-1080-200 and quotes:
Probability of successful first flight: 50% or less
Probability of Certification & Production: Less than 25% chance of success
Long Term Prospects: Less than 25% chance of success
Looking at the
aircraft specifications I can’t quite see where an
un pressurised dedicated freighter - at est $12 mill each according to Towerman's post - at 17,237 kg MTOW, 6,619 kg payload, significant ZFW penalty and claimed 250 kts cruise will fit into the airfreight feeder market.
I would have thought if an operator needs a Cessna Caravan/Cargomaster on steroids, there would be any number of used, low cost proven airframes (e.g. DHC-8-100?) in the market?
The
manufacturer's web site is very scant of information.
Maybe a suitable DHC4 Caribou/DHC5 Buffalo replacement?
P.S. G'Day
Staines. I thought this thread would bring you back out of the woodwork, Phat Phong bar ... or where ever you've been hiding!
Where did you find their email address - can't see it anywhere on their web site.