Lancair continues to put hours (and now four flights) on its Evolution turboprop in the run up to Sun ‘n Fun. According to the company, the preliminary handling assessment is “Stick forces: balanced, light control inputs. Stall characteristics: Meets FAR Part 23, docile, full aileron authority in stall. Roll rate: > 80°/second.”
Performance is a claimed 338 knots true on 39 gallons per hour of Jet A. Pulling back to economy cruise, true airspeed is said to be 270 knots on 24 gph. Both performance figures assume the prototype’s Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135A engine. “Solo” rate of climb is listed as 4000 feet per minute.
Lancair is aiming for a 61-knot landing-configuration stall speed.
We expect to hear more from Lancair about the continuing flight-testing during next week’s Sun ‘n Fun show in Lakeland, Florida. The KITPLANES staff will be there to bring you all the latest news.
