Ibis Aerospace has flown its conforming prototype Ae270 Propjet for the first time. Serial number five’s maiden flight is a major milestone in the Ae270 Propjet’s development programme. The company says the latest design incorporates a number of enhancements over previously flown prototype aircraft and represents for Ibis confirmation of the Ae270 type certification schedule.

Serial number five recorded nearly one hour in its logbook on its first flight. Flight test pilots commented that the aircraft flew flawlessly.

A spokesman said: “This was no more than we expected as two previously flown prototype aircraft are identical to serial number five in the design of their flight controls and aerodynamics. The major difference with the third flying prototype was the incorporation of a PT6-66A engine.”

Other enhancements included pilot-side EFIS provided by Chelton Systems. This system recently received FAA certification.

In attendance at this event were many delegates and representatives from Ibis Aerospace and its partner companies.

Aero Vodochody chairman and ceo Antonin Jakubse said: “The Ae270 is truly an aircraft designed for a worldwide market. North America will certainly be an important market for the Ae270, and we expect European operators to be similarly attracted. We also expect this aircraft, with its many attractive features such as a large cabin and ruggedness, to be operated in remote regions throughout Africa, Australasia and the Far East.”

The Ae270 Propjet is a large-cabin, pressurised aircraft designed to carry up to ten people, which will cover stage lengths of up to 1,610 nautical miles with fuel reserves.