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07/24/06 - PROOFS POSITIVE
Cessna unveils LSA, Next Generation Piston proof of concept aircraft
Cessna Aircraft Company Chairman, President, and CEO Jack Pelton unveiled the company’s light-sport aircraft (LSA) proof of concept aircraft and presented a surprise fly-by of the Cessna’s next-generation standard category piston aircraft at a press conference in AeroShell Square at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006 yesterday morning.
Cessna announced last month it was studying the feasibility of developing an LSA and would introduce the proof of concept at AirVenture, and the unveiling was highly anticipated, drawing a large crowd to the press conference. The LSA category, created two years ago, comprises aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, a top speed of 120 knots, and no more than two seats. It is the fastest growing sector of general aviation.
"We believe we can bring unique capabilities with our sales, distribution, training and support network, and it appears to be the logical extension to our product line," Pelton said in explaining the company’s interest in the LSA market. "But most important, we believe that the light-sport aircraft may be the key to stimulating new pilots, re-energizing the industry and feeding the important pipeline of human talent, which is so important to all of us in this industry."
Moments later Pelton formally introduced the aircraft, and the black cover draped over the airframe was removed, revealing a ruby red and white two-place, high-wing design with purple trim and yellow piping. It’s constructed mostly from aluminum with some composite in the cowl and fairings. Accessed by upward opening doors, the interior of the aircraft, which has not yet flown, was bare. Cabin width is 48 inches. The Cessna Sport, as it’s dubbed, will be powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912 engine. Gross weight (1,320 pounds) and airspeed (120 knots) are both the maximum allowed in the category. No price has been set but Pelton said the company expects it to be "competitive" with other LSAs in the market.
Pelton emphasized the decision on whether to proceed with the project will not be made until the first quarter of 2007, but it will be influenced by the feedback the company receives here at AirVenture.
"We want to make sure that this aircraft is what the market wants, and what better way to do that than to get your opinions right here at the show. So we’re inviting you to share your thoughts by filling out survey forms that we have here," Pelton said.
Survey forms are available at the Cessna Exhibit (Main Aircraft Display area 143-156) and at AeroShell Square where the Cessna Sport is on display.
Surprise in the sky
As spectators admired the aircraft, Pelton noted the company is often asked about plans for new piston aircraft in the standard category. "We’re planning to develop a next generation aircraft in the not too distant future," Pelton said, directing attendees’ attention to the flightline, where a single-engine, fixed-gear, high-wing aircraft appeared from the south and performed a fly by. "The NGP" (Next Generation Piston), Pelton announced as the plane flew by. "It’s our baby."
Design features of the NGP proof of concept include a forward-swept strutless wing and advanced shape fuselage. The aircraft, which has flown some 20 hours, represents a family of aircraft Cessna intends to produce. Pelton said it was too early to release performance numbers or specifications. "We’re confident it will be a world-class airplane," he said. "Cessna has been the undisputed leader in general aviation for more than half a century, and we intend to widen that advantage even further in the decades ahead." | 
