Aero Ae 270 Ibis
| Ae 270 Ibis | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Role | Civil utility aircraft |
| National origin | Czech Republic |
| Manufacturer | Aero Vodochody |
| First flight | 25 July 2000 |
The Aero Ae 270 Ibis was a single-engine turboprop general utility aircraft that was developed by the Czech aircraft company Aero Vodochody. The aircraft's maiden flight took place in 2000. It received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in 2006, although production was eventually cancelled (apparently due to a lack of funding).
Design began in the early 1990s. The aircraft's configuration was finalized by 1993. In 1997, Aero signed an agreement with AIDC of Taiwan to jointly manufacture and market the aircraft through Ibis Aerospace. The first prototype (0001, OK-EMA) was completed in 2000, and it first flew on July 25, 2000.
It was projected to have an empty weight of 1,790 kilograms (3,950 lb), a maximum take-off weight of 3,000 kilograms (6,600 lb), and a ceiling of 7,620 metres (25,000 ft). Five prototypes were planned, two for static and dynamic tests and three for flight tests. The requirements changed and the aircraft was redesigned, new equipment added, a new engine variant chosen. The changes added significant weight. The second (partial) prototype was used for static tests, and the fourth for fatigue tests. The third prototype (OK-SAR) first flew in 2002. The fifth prototype (OK-LIB) was finished in 2003, with its first flight in February. The sixth prototype (OK-INA) was also finished in 2003. UCL (Czech Civil Aeronautical Institute) added more requirements, which delayed further tests. The first prototype was not usable for EASA test flights, because the changes were too significant. A seventh prototype (OK-EVA) was built in 2004.
In 2004, AIDC announced that it would not deliver wings for additional airplanes. Aero Vodochody also had issues with money for certification and some members of upper management at Aero were against the program. Deteriorating flight parameters and Aero management interest led to cancellation of preliminary orders. Aero Vodochody was never able to calculate a production price, mostly because the wing was produced in Taiwan and alternate production in Czech Republic was never envisioned.
Airworthiness was certified by the Czech Civil Aviation Authority permitting training and aerial work, including commencement of commercial use. EASA certification completed on December the 12th 2005. The FAA certificate was received on 24 February 2006.
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