The VF600w Mission, the new single engine turbo-prop aircraft from Italy’s Vulcanair, commenced its flight campaign with a short take-off and landing at Capodichino International airport in Naples.

The aircraft’s first lift-off is the first in a planned series of flight testing to reach final JAA/FAA certification by the end of 2003. Customer deliveries are planned in early 2004.

The Mission was designed to accommodate 11 passengers including the pilot. The aircraft is able to carry 3,000 pounds on an average leg of 400 nm, and has a range of 1,100 nm with full fuel at 185 knots cruise speed.

Since its inception, the VF600w Mission has been engineered to be able to install alternative powerplants from different manufacturers in order to fit additional mission profiles and to cover additional market niches. Therefore, in the future, Vulcanair says it may introduce optional powerplant versions of the

VF600w Mission.

The aircraft’s primary target markets are the civilian transport market and the cargo/feeder market, with an emphasis on remote and difficult-to-reach locations.