Evektor Flies First Production-Conforming EV-55

Evektor, a Czech builder of light sport airplanes and ultralights, has flown the first production-conforming EV-55 Outback utility twin, an airplane that promises to dramatically raise the company’s profile when it enters the market.

Evektor test pilots flew the EV-55 from Kunovice Airport this month for a short flight ahead of a test regimen that will include testing of systems, performance and flight characteristics for Part 23 certification.

The Pratt & Whitney PT6A-powered Evektor will be capable of cruising at 220 knots with a 14 passenger high-capacity interior and mtow just over 10,000 pounds.

The airplane was originally scheduled for certification in 2013, but delays have stretched that timeframe as the first EV-55 prototype has amassed more than 370 hours in the air. Evektor hasn’t set a new target certification date.

Evektor currently produces the SportStar, EuroStar and Harmony LSA models.