Ikhana Aircraft Services has announced that a company testbed aircraft is currently being readied for the flight testing phase for a standard commuter category supplemental type certificate (STC) allowing an increased maximum take-off weight.
The RWMI DHC-6-300HG modification will allow standard operations up to 14,000 lb (6350kg) MTOW. Currently, DeHavilland Twin Otters of types 300 and 400 can have their MTOW increased to 14,000 lb under a Restricted Category Supplemental Type Certificate. The flight testing will remove this restricted category STC and provide for a standard supplemental type certificate.
“We expect to be flying the conformed aircraft within the next few weeks,” said John Zublin, Ikhana president and CEO. “The flight testing phase of the program is essentially the last major gate in the STC process and we remain on track for expected STC issuance by the end of 2016.”
The original DHC-6-300 Twin Otter series aircraft were delivered with a 12,500-lb (5670kg) MTOW capability. Incorporating Ikhana’s upgrade will provide an additional payload of nearly 1,500 lb.
The modifications require an upgrade to Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines, installation of Raisbeck swept four-bladed turbofan propellers, structural, aerodynamic, and systems modifications. The upgrade will be packaged so that it can be accomplished at a customer’s maintenance facility.
July 1, 2016
