Finally, an aircraft that makes the Nomad look like cutting edge technology......!
Never flown one, but had the misfortune to ride in a Y-12 several times. As I see it, the limitations of this design are
- no nosewheel steering (differential braking only, and pretty crude)
- overwing refuelling only, and very high off the ground (ever tried to find an extension ladder in the bush)
- no baggage door - all luggage loaded via cabin door, making for long turnarounds
- fixed seat positions (no Douglas track allowing variations in seat pitch). Seat pitch is great in the first to rows, reducing to non-existent in the rear rows, apparently to counter C of G problems.
- no airstair door (steps required)
- cannot be flown single-pilot (so I am told)
If the Chinese had only taken the time to see a Twin Otter operating in the bush, they could have incorporated some "user-friendly" features.