A French company, Cobalt Aircraft Industries, will display its Co50 five-passenger prototype at EAA AirVenture this year. The aircraft could be certified by 2012.
The factory is located 20 minutes outside of Paris at Toussus-le-Noble Airport. “We’re very excited to introduce ourselves and the Co50 at EAA AirVenture,” said CEO David Loury. “The Co50 is a culmination of seven years of thorough design, prototyping, and stress testing. We’re now getting ready to do ground static, dynamic, and first stages in flight testing to prepare for certification.”
The company claims it can survive even if it sells only two aircraft per year. There was no information on price. The aircraft is powered by a single 350-horsepower Continental TSIOF-550-D2B Biturbo engine, and promises a cruise speed of 220 KTAS at 8,000 feet using a pusher prop. It can operate at up to 25,000 feet. A canopy and nose covering tilts forward to allow five passengers, including the pilot, to enter. The company promises a useful load of 1,213 pounds, and can carry 109 gallons of fuel. With full fuel, its payload would be 569 pounds. The twin tail resembles that of an F–15 fighter.
Alton K. Marsh
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