Italian light airplane maker Tecnam is making quick progress on what is the largest airplane it has produced to date — the P2012 Traveller. The second prototype of the 11-seat piston twin (CHECK), which is the first fully conforming test platform, recently took its first flight. The first test airplane has accumulated more than 250 hours since it first flew in July of 2016.
Equipped with Garmin’s latest edition of the G1000 integrated electronic flight deck, the G1000 NXi, the Traveller has access to the most advanced cockpit technology, including current weather data, synthetic vision, approach charts with own-ship positioning, coupled approaches and holds, and moving map capability not only on the large MFD but also on the HSI on the PFD. The airplane will also be equipped with TKS ice protection from CAV Ice Protection out of Consett, England.
The P2012 is powered by two 375-horsepower Lycoming Integrated Electronic Engines (iE2). The engine is a single turbo version with the designation TEO-540-C1A. The airplane will be well suited for short-field operations with a takeoff run of only about 1,400 feet and a climb rate of 1,200 fpm. The top speed is expected at around 190 ktas.
Tecnam says the Traveller is on track for certification this year with first deliveries scheduled for early next year. The first P2012 will go to east coast commuter airline Cape Air, which has ordered 100 Travellers.
