The latest aircraft from Tecnam – the P Twenty-Ten – took to the skies for the first time, yesterday.
The latest aircraft from Tecnam – the P Twenty-Ten – took to the skies for the first time, yesterday. Flown by Marco Locatelli, Tecnam’s test pilot, the P Twenty-Ten’s first outing took place at 1642 UTC above the company’s Capua production facility.The single engine, four-seat aircraft features all carbon fibre fuselage, metal wing and stabilator – based on Tecnam’s recent P2006T Twin and P2008 offerings. According to the company, its latest offering also includes an excellent outer view and Garmin PFD, and is easy to maintain in level flight once on trim.The Test FlightThe test flight reported noted that the aircraft’s – which had a mass of 900kg – Lycoming IO-360 achieved maximum power on the brake; 28,20 inHg MAP, 2680 RPM, no wind. After brake release, normal engine behaviour and parameters were recorded, as well as a slight increase in MAP (28,5 inHg) and prop speed (2690 RPM). Aircraft acceleration to 50 KIAS took 8 seconds and about 300-350 ft. A statement from Tecnam said: “Effortless rotation and lift off occurred at approximately 60 KIAS.“At 5000 ft 80 KIAS flaps were retracted to UP. Two to three pitch attitude angle degrees increase was set with a progressive modest pull back effort. Indicated airspeed was promptly increasing towards. Engine was then reduced to 20 InHG, 2450 RPM and speed stabilised at 100 KIAS.”It added: “Longitudinal, lateral and directional static stability were clearly proven at 119 KIAS, 5000 ft.“A progressive levelled deceleration was initiated, 2-3 kts per second. It was possible to stop speed deceleration just by mean of pitch control, manual trim compensation was required since significant effort variation was recorded in the order of 6-8 daN per 20 KIAS of delta. Both lateral and direction controls keep effective and precise, rudder effort definitely lower, but never reversing.”Locatelli performed several canonical flight envelope opening tests – including stalling, a TO flap, and an LD flap go-around passage – before landing on Capua’s runway 26. From a 2.5 degrees approach path, LD flap approach at 65 KIAS runway touch down was obtained on the centerline at about 48 KIAS, 30 minutes after take off on Tecnam homebase field. Further detailsThe P Twenty-Ten is powered by a Lycoming IO-360-M1a (‘Lycoming Light’) engine, providing 180HP and 2700RPM. The wing is based on the NACA63A aerofoil. According to Tecnam it all-movable type (stabilator) horizontal tail enables excellent control and ‘hands off’ longitudinal stability.The nose gear is free castering and consists of a tubular steel leg connected to the lower engine mount attachments and is braced by a rubber shock absorber. The landing gear is also faired to minimise drag. Ground steering is by differential braking.Furthermore, the aircraft boasts a fuel capacity of 210lt, 46.2 imp.gal. Its fuel tanks are installed in the wing box, behind the main spar, in order to preserve their integrity during an accident. The P Twenty-Ten’s cabin width provides space for a large instrument panel with a modular design that enables users to fit either an analogue or digital instrumentation package.“It’s been an extraordinarily successful and exciting time for the Tecnam design, production and flight-test teams” said Paolo Pascale, Tecnam’s Managing Director. “The Tecnam P Twenty-Ten further exhibits our commitment to innovation, style and advanced technology and is yet another extension of our passion for flying.”For more information on the Tecnam P Twenty-Ten, please click here.
