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 prototype Evektor EV-55 Outback, a multi-purpose turboprop twin, successfully completed its first flight in the Czech Republic.
Designed to operate from short, unpaved strips and high altitudes, it can carry up to 14 passengers or 4,000 pounds of cargo.
Evektor is targeting emerging markets in South America, Africa, and Asia, positioning the EV-55 as a replacement for aging piston twins and a competitor to the Cessna 208 Caravan, offering passenger, cargo, and combined configurations.

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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.