Adam Aircraft Industries expects to complete its R & D and manufacturing facility in December. From the 50,000 square foot facility, the company will begin manufacturing prototypes of the Adam M-309 - which is a six seat, pressurised, twin-engine, carbon composite aircraft.

Merging carbon composite technology and glass cockpit, Adam Aircraft first flew the M-309 prototype last March and is in the process of gaining FAA Part 23 certification. The aircraft is slated for production in 2003.

"Combining the testing and manufacturing under one roof will facilitate efficiencies that allow us to leap forward in our progress in obtaining FAA certification," said John Knudson, president of Adam Aircraft.

The facility will encompass 35,000 square feet of manufacturing space with 15,000 square feet for administrative offices. Knudson says it will be fully equipped with all necessary tools and equipment for construction and fabrication of the aircraft.

The centreline-thrust, "push-pull" configuration with Teledyne Continental TSIO 550 engines in the nose and tail of the Adam M-309 is engineered with the latest advancements in safety, aerodynamics and performance.

The company says that using single-cure carbon composite technology affords a sleeker and more flexible wing design than metal, and the elimination of riveted seams creates a superior performing aerodynamic surface.

The M-309 will have a 2,300 pound useful load with a fuel capacity of 250 gallons. At 20,000 feet the aircraft will have a maximum speed of 250 knots.

Pricing has not been determined, but Knudsen expects the cost to be competitive with aircraft of similar size and performance.

The company is accepting minimum deposits of $25,000 on delivery positions of the Adam M-309. Until the aircraft receives FAA approval and commercial production starts, all deposits will earn interest and be fully refundable.