PAC 750XL
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A utility aircraft, combing the engine and wings of the PAC Cresco with a new large fuselage and modified tail, the PAC 750 is a conventional metal monoplane with tricycle undercarriage; all versions to date have been powered by a 750 hp (560 kW) PT6A turboprop. It is designed and manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand by the Pacific Aerospace Corporation.
The design made its maiden flight in 2001, (with a slightly different horizontal tail surfaces). The first aircraft exported to the United States was lost on delivery, together with its pilot, who drowned in front of coast guard rescuers, apparently knocked unconscious when the aircraft ditched. The cause of the crash was traced to fuel line problems in the delivery tanks.
The PAC 750 received full FAA certification in 2004. It has been marketed primarily to sky diving operators. The Cresco’s high lift wings enable the type to take a load of parachutists to 12,000 feet (3,700 m) and return to land in a quarter of an hour. One aircraft has been extensively modified for geo-survey work, being fitted with a Magnetic anomaly detector sting tail. Military and bush flying roles are also forseen, and studies have been completed for ski and float conversions. About 20 aircraft have been manufactured in New Zealand by mid-2005. Recently an airframe has been delivered to the Taumarunui Aerial Co-op for use as a top dresser and at least one other has been ordered for this purpose.
The type is marketed in the U.S. by the Utility Aircraft Corporation.
An agreement has been reached to supply PAC 750s in kit form to Mecachrome in Montreal Canada, contracts being for twelve 750XLs in 2005, 24 in 2006, and 36 in 2007. The type is being suggested as a long shot for a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter replacement with the RCAF, (see link below).
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 pilot, 17 skydivers. (Various seating options available for around half that number of ordinary passengers).
- Wing loading: 24.59 lb/ft² (120 kg/m²)
- Empty: 3100 lb (1410 kg)
- Loaded: 7500 lb (3400 kg)
- Powerplant: 750 hp (560 kW) PT6a turboprop
Performance
- Cruising speed: 170 kt (315 km/h)
- Range: 582 nautical miles (1078 km) (max load and 45 minute reserve)
- Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6100 m)
- Endurance: 5 hours fully loaded with 45 minute reserves.
- Ground roll: 1244 ft (379 m)
- Rate of climb: At least 1000 ft/min (5 m/s) at maximum take-off load.
See also
External links
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