Czech-Built Evektor EV-55 Makes First Flight

Stephen Pope

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 11:05 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The Evektor EV-55 Outback turboprop twin prototype successfully completed its first flight in the Czech Republic, seven years after the project was launched.
This high-wing, twin-engine aircraft is designed for multi-purpose use, capable of carrying up to 14 passengers or 4,000 pounds of cargo, and operating from short, unpaved strips.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21 engines, the EV-55 is offered in passenger, cargo, and combined versions with quick conversion times.
Evektor is targeting markets in South America, Africa, and Asia, positioning the EV-55 as a replacement for aging piston twins and a competitor to aircraft like the Cessna 208 Caravan.

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A prototype of the Evektor EV-55 Outback turboprop twin made its first flight from Kunovice Airport in the Czech Republic last Friday, delivering on a promise made by the fledgling aircraft manufacturer when it launched the project seven years ago.** **

Evektor test pilot Josef Charvat and military pilot Major Jiri Hana flew the airplane, – an EV-55M model – for 30 minutes, reaching a speed of 125 knots at an altitude of 3,500 feet.