Preliminary Market and Technical Research

Written By Karl Kurniawan

On this page, information and various aircraft with specifications meeting or similar to the outline are presented and discussed.

Similar Aircraft

The criteria outlined in the previous pages come close to the Air Taxi criteria that already existed in Canada. This specification can be found under Standard 723 - Air Taxi: Aeroplanes - CAR. These specifications, however, specify a higher maximum number of 9 passengers compared to the 4 passengers described in the outline.  Although bigger in passenger capacity, the idea is very similar to our project; which is to transport people from one point to another point at a short distance. In the most recent news, an air taxi operation was launched in India that utilizes a Tecnam P2006T which is a light aircraft with a 2+2 configuration and a large cargo area on the rear[1]. As seen in Figure 1, the aircraft utilizes two small engines and is relatively compact compared to what other companies manufacture for this category. This aircraft has a range of roughly 1,240 km which makes it superior for longer travels compared to the concepts we are working on[2]. Other aircraft that fit this category include DHC-6 Twin Otter which falls to a much larger aircraft compared to the current requirement. Another aircraft that is often used as an air taxi is also the Cessna 402 which can seat between 4 to 10 seats. A smaller example that we can look at would be the classic and trusty DHC Beaver or a Cessna Stationair which fits the exact cargo and passenger requirements. 

At this capacity, the market is primarily dominated by helicopters. Helicopters are also ideal for the air taxi, tourism, and charter industry due to their vertical take-off capability. However, they are also expensive to maintain and operate.  

 

Tecnam_P2006T_1.jpg.1

Figure 1, A Tecnam P2006T [3]

IMG_2714.jpg

Figure 2, Blackcomb operated Eurocopter EC130-B4 [Author].

Similar Aircraft Specifications

Fixed Wing Aircraft

Note that most of the data were gathered from various volumes of "Jane's all the world's aircraft" while other various sources will be linked within the table [4]-[8].

Aircraft Capacity Range Performance Engine

Dimensions
Tecnam P2006T [9]

3 Passengers

1 Crew

669nm (1,240km)
  • 150 ktas cruise speed.
  • 55kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 14,000 ft.
  • ROC of 1036ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 906lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 2,712 lbs.

(2x) ROTAX 912 S3 - 200hp

Length: 8.7m (28.54')

Wingspan: 11.4m (37.4')

Height: 2.9m (9.51')
DHC-6 Twin Otter [10]

Up to 19 Passengers

1-2 Crew

 980nm (1,815km) long range
  • 170 ktas cruise speed.
  • 58kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 25,000ft.
  • ROC of 1600ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 3,031-4,061lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 12,500lbs.
 (2x) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 - 750shp

Length: 15.77m (51'9")

Wingspan: 19.8m (65')

Height: 5.94m (6'6")
Cessna 402 [11]

7 Passengers

1 Crew

 865np
  • 196ktas cruise speed.
  • 69kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 26,900ft.
  • ROC of 1450ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1,229lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 6,850lbs.
 (2x) Continental TSIO-520-VB - 325hp

Length: 11.1m (36.42')

Wingspan: 13.5m (44.17')

Height: 3.5m (11.5')
DHC-2 (Turbo) Beaver [12]

4 Passengers

2 Crew

 604nm
  • 133kts cruise speed.
  • 52kts stall speed
  • Service ceiling of 18,000ft.
  • ROC of 1312ft/min.
  • Standard useful load 1,497lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 6,000lbs.
 PT6A-27/-28,-34 - 680hp

Length: 10.7m (35')

Wingspan: 14.63m (48')

Height: 5.18m (17')
Cessna 206 Stationair [13]

4-5 Passengers

1-2 Crew

 703nm
  • 161 ktas cruise speed.
  • 52kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 26,000ft.
  • ROC of 1075ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1,441lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 3,789 lbs.
 Lycoming T10-540-AJ1A - 310hp Length: 8.6m (28.26')

Wingspan: 10.97m (36')

Height: 2.8m (9.33')
Swearingen-Fairchild Merlin III [14]

4-9 Passengers

2 Crew

 1,480nm (2,750km)
  • 285 ktas cruise speed.
  • 92kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 26,200ft.
  • ROC of 2700ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 4,287 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 16,500 lbs.
 Honeywell TPE331 3 or 10 - 840 or 900shp Length: 12.85m (42.23')

Wingspan: 14.10m (46.25')

Height: 5.13m (16.75')
Piper M500 [15]

4 Passengers

2 Crew

 1,000nm (1,852km)
  • 260 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 30,000 ft.
  • ROC of 1600ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1,698 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 5092 lbs
 PW PT6A-42 - 500shp Length: 9.0m (29.58')

Wingspan: 13.1m (43')

Height: 3.4m (11.25')
Cessna Caravan [16]

 12 Passengers

2 crew

  1,070nm (1981 km)
  • 186 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 30,000 ft.
  • ROC of 1234 ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 3305 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 8000 lbs
 PT6A-114A - 675 shp

 

Wingspan: 52ft (15.8 m)

 
Baron G58 [17]

 4 Passengers

2 Crew

  1,480nm (2,741km)
  • 202 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 20,700 ft.
  • ROC of 1700 ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1,559 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 3965 lbs
  IO 550 C - 300hp  Wingspan:  37.83ft (11.5 m)
Bonanza G36 [18]

 4 Passengers

2 Crew

  920nm (1,704km)
  • 176 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 18,500 ft.
  • ROC of 1230 ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1,073 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 3,650 lbs
  IO 550 B - 300hp Wingspan: 33.5 ft (10.3 m)
Pilatus PC-12 [19]

 4 Passengers

2 Crew

  1,568nm (2,904km)
  • 290 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 30,000 ft.
  • ROC of 1600 ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1,698 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 5092 lbs
  - Wingspan: 53.3 ft (16.2 m)

DHC 8-100  [20][21]

 40 Passengers

2 Crew

  1,125nm (2,083.5km)
  • 260 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 30,000 ft.
  • ROC of 1600ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 2,235 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 10,450 lbs
 PW120 - 2000 shp Wingspan: 84.96 ft (25.9 m)

DHC 3 Otter [22]

 9 Passengers

2 Crew

  945nm (1,750km)
  • 104 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 18,800 ft.
  • ROC of 850 ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 2282 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 8,000 lbs
  - Wingspan: 58 ft (17.7 m)
Embraer 120ER [23]

 30 Passengers

2 Crew

  1570nm (2,908km)
  • 272 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 32,000 ft.
  • ROC of 630 ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 4,836 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 26,443 lbs
 PW118A Wingspan: 64.9 ft (19.8 m)
Dornier DO-228 [24]

 18 Passengers

2 Crew

  2,685nm (4,3973km)
  • 200 ktas cruise speed.
  • Below mandated 61 kts stall speed.
  • Service ceiling of 10,000 ft.
  • ROC of 1,500 ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1316 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 14,110 lbs
 TPE 331-5 - 715 shp Wingspan: 55.7 ft (17 m)

 

Helicopters

Aircraft Capacity Range Performance Engine Dimensions
Bell 206 [25]

4 Passengers

2 Crew

 194nm (360km)
  • 111 kts cruise speed.
  • Service ceiling of 10,000ft.
  • ROC of 1320ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 921 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 4450 lbs.
 (2x) RR 250-C20R - 450shp

Height: 3.12m (10.25')

Rotor Diameter: 11.3m (37')

Length: 12.8m (42')
Eurocopter Ec130-B4 [26]

5-7 Passengers

1 Crew

 330nm (611.2km)
  • 130 kts cruise speed.
  • Service ceiling of 23,000ft.
  • ROC of 1800ft/min.
  • Standard useful load of 1334 lbs.
  • MTOW rating of 5351 lbs.
 Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 - 850shp

Height: 3.3m (10.92')

Rotor Diameter: 10.69m (35.08')

Length: 10.67m (35')

Unique Crafts and Additional Research

This section is dedicated to various aircraft that explore unique systems and concepts. This section contained aircraft that I found to be unique and inspired various designs and aspects of my concepts.

x6gqobopcxn21 (1).jpg

Vanguard 2C Omniplane

This aircraft utilizes two large rotors incorporated into the uniquely shaped wing. Very little information is available regarding this aircraft. However, sources stated that the aircraft was first designed in 1952 and it was initially produced by Vanguard Air and Marine Corporation for a possible personal executive VTOL aircraft with 2 people capacity[1]. The aircraft was initially powered by a single six-cylinder Lycoming O-540-A1A. But it may have been underpowered for the aircraft as it was later upgraded with an 860 hp Lycoming YT53-L-1 turboshaft engine for its test flight. Research on this aircraft was discontinued and led to another aircraft designated 2D. No other statistics such as cruise speed, service ceiling, range, or stall speed were found for this aircraft. However, this aircraft was flown and tested. The key feature that may be applicable to the concept design is the lift fan located on each wing and how they are configured. 

[26] Vertipedia, Vanguard Omniplane [Onlin.]. Available: https://vertipedia-legacy.vtol.org/vstol/VSTOLWheel/VanguardOmniplane.htm

AW609-hero-banner_finale (1).jpg

AgustaWestland AW609

The AW609 is currently the only civilian tiltrotor aircraft in production. This aircraft utilizes a traditional fuselage and T-tail configuration. The tilt-rotor system allows the aircraft to take off vertically and act as a fixed-wing for cruising. This aircraft is designed to overcome the helicopter's downside; slower speed, limited range, and high fuel burn during the cruise. This aircraft has 18,000lbs MTOW and over 6,000lbs useful load while utilizing 2 Pratt&Whitney PT6C-67A [27].

 

twerp_01 (1).jpg

PBS Turbojets

Various engines were available from PBS. Smallest of the series commonly power UAVS and RC aircraft. However, they also produce medium and larger mini turbojets that later power various different experimental aircraft. Most notably, the TWERP experimental aircraft which utilizes the Burt Ruttan Quickie Q1airframe is equipped with two PBS TJ40 which has 88lbs of thrust each[28][29].

References

[1] TimesNowNews. (Jan 2021.) India's first air taxi launched in Chandigarh; check routes, other details [Online]. Available: https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/companies/article/indias-first-air-taxi-launched-in-chandigarh-check-routes-other-details/707131

[2] Tecnam. P2006T Twin Engine Aircraft [Online]. Available: https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2006t/

[3] “Tecnam P2006T,” Wikipedia, 14-Dec-2020. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tecnam_P2006T. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2021].

[4] J. W. R. Taylor, Jane’s all the world’s aircraft, 1984-85. London: Jane’s Publishing Company, 1984.

[5] J. W. R. Taylor, F. R. S. Hisf, and A. F. R. S. Ae, Jane’s All The World’s Aircraft 1974-75. Jane’s Information Group;, 1975.

[6] M. Lambert, Jane’s All The World’s Aircraft 1991-92. Jane’s Information Group;, 1992.

[7] P. Jackson, Jane’s All the Worlds Aircraft, 2003-2004. Jane’s Information Group;

[8] P. Jackson, Jane’s All the World ’s Aircraft 2004-2005. Jane’s Information Group;, 2004.

[9]        “P2006T By Tecnam: Affordable Twin Engine Aircraft for Sale.” https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2006t/ (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[10]       “Technical Description | Viking Air Ltd.” https://www.vikingair.com/twin-otter-information/technical-description (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[11]       “Cessna 402 Specifications, Cabin Dimensions, Performance.” https://www.globalair.com/aircraft-for-sale/Specifications?specid=474 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[12]       Viking Air, “Viking Turbo Beaver Product Information.” Sidney, BC Canada.

[13]       Cessna, “Turbo Stationair HD.” https://cessna.txtav.com/-/media/cessna/files/piston/stationair/stationair_brochure.ashx (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[14]       “Air taxi available for charter : Fairchild Merlin III with crew.” https://www.abcorporate-aviation.com/rent-private-jet/business-aircraft/short-range-business-aircraft-charter/fairchild-merlin-iii (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[15]       Piper, “M500 Specifications, Pricing.” http://www.piper-germany.de/fileadmin/Dokumente/de/specs/2018_M500_SPRev2_2_2_18.pdf (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[16]       “Baron G58.” https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/baron-g58 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[17]       “Bonanza G36.” https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/bonanza-g36 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[18]       “PC-12 NGX | The World’s Greatest Single | Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.” https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/fly/pc-12 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[19]       “Bombardier Dash 8-100/200 commercial aircraft. Pictures, specifications, reviews.” https://www.airlines-inform.com/commercial-aircraft/dash-8q200.html (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[20]       “Bombardier Q100 (Dash 8-100) - Price, Specs, Photo Gallery, History - Aircraft Compare.” https://www.aircraftcompare.com/aircraft/bombardier-q100/ (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[21]       “DE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-3 ‘OTTER’ - Plane & Pilot Magazine.” https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/de-havilland-canada-dhc-3-otter/ (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[22]       “Embraer 120ER Specifications, Cabin Dimensions, Performance.” https://www.globalair.com/aircraft-for-sale/Specifications?specid=830 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[23]       “FAIRCHILD DORNIER 228 - SKYbrary Aviation Safety.” https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/D228 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[24]       “Bell 206 Specifications, Cabin Dimensions, Performance.” https://www.globalair.com/aircraft-for-sale/Specifications?specid=852 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[25]       “Eurocopter EC-130-B4 Specifications, Cabin Dimensions, Performance.” https://www.globalair.com/aircraft-for-sale/Specifications?specid=997 (accessed Apr. 08, 2021).

[26]  Vertipedia, Vanguard Omniplane [Onlin.]. Available: https://vertipedia-legacy.vtol.org/vstol/VSTOLWheel/VanguardOmniplane.htm

[27]  “AW609,” Leonardo. [Online]. Available: https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/products/aw609. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2021].

[28] “Aircraft Engines: Turboprop/Turboshaft & Turbojet,” PBS. [Online]. Available: https://www.pbs.cz/en/our-business/aerospace/aircraftgines. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2021].

[29] “Aircraft Engines: Turboprop/Turboshaft & Turbojet,” PBS. [Online]. Available: https://www.pbs.cz/en/our-business/aerospace/aircraftgines. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2021].

Karl Kurniawan
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