Tamarack Aerospace received recognition from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the European Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) for two record-setting flights in a Beechcraft King Air 350 modified with the company’s Smartwing technology.
The Smartwing upgrade includes extending the aircraft’s wingspan and adding winglets and autonomous control surfaces that respond to turbulence to reduce its effect. Tamarack said the technology results in as much as a 33 percent increase in range on certain business jets while improving the flight’s smoothness in rough air.
The first record flight was non-stop from Spokane International Airport (KGEG) to Orlando Executive Airport (KORL). The 2,032.8 nm flight on October 15, 2022, took 7 hours, 46 minutes. The aircraft completed the second record flight, covering a distance of 1,770.7 nm from KORL to Henderson Executive Airport (KHND), in 8 hours, 8 minutes. The flight included a stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“There has been significant interest from the military following these record-setting demonstrations last year. You know, the defense community sees a lot of value in our increased range and loiter time for important missions,” said Tamarack founder and CEO Nick Guida, who co-piloted both flights. “We can’t release information about who we are working with now with the military, but we’re thrilled with the outcome of the results on the King Air because it showcased for the military the value Smartwing can bring to many platforms.”
According to Tamarack, potential commercial and business aviation customers have also shown interest in its wing modifications. Guida said the overall response to the record flights is likely to result in more certification testing for additional airframes and installations. The company said it will be able to release more specific information about military and civilian contracts soon.
