Explorer Aircraft Begins Flight Tests for 500T Prototype

Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 02:52 PM ET

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Explorer Aircraft's 500T is built to fly from community airports and unimproved runways. Explorer Aircraft

Key Takeaways:

Explorer Aircraft's 500T, an all-composite, single-engine turboprop light utility aircraft, is currently undergoing flight testing with an upgraded engine and avionics.
Designed for versatility, the aircraft can operate from unimproved runways and be equipped with floats for water operations, offering a 3,200 lbs useful load for passengers and cargo.
The flight testing program aims to validate performance and handling, developing a robust platform for global logistics while being adaptable for future technologies like hybrid-electric power and mission-critical equipment.

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Flight testing is underway for Explorer Aircraft’s 500T, the flying prototype of the company’s light utility aircraft.

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.