Tecnam announces P2010

Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has announced its latest model, the Tecnam P2010, in Naples, Italy.

Bringing together an advanced technology all carbon fibre fuselage with a metal wing and stabilator drawn from Tecnam’s recent P2006T Twin and P2008 offerings, the single engine, four-place P2010 will be premiered at AERO 2011 in Friedrichshafen, Germany in mid-April next year.

Utilising carbon fibre and metal affords the P2010 optimal aerodynamic quality and reliability. Carbon fibre ensures smooth surfaces, while metal is used for the wing and stabilator to provide further strength and stability.

The new model from the Italian manufacturer is powered by a Lycoming IO-360-M1a (‘Lycoming Light’) engine, providing 180hp and 2700rpm. The wing is based on the well-proven NACA63A aerofoil. Through partial tapering, the design brings it close to the optimal lift distribution (elliptical). The all movable type (stabilator) horizontal tail, allows for excellent controllability and ‘hands off’ longitudinal stability.

The P2010’s nose gear is free castoring and consists of a tubular steel leg connected to the lower engine mount attachments and is braced by a rubber shock absorber. The landing gear is also faired to minimise drag, whilst ground steering is by differential braking.

The P2010 has a fuel capacity of 210L, 46.2 imp. Gal, with the fuel tanks installed in the wing box, behind the main spar, to preserve their integrity in case of an accident.

In the cockpit, cabin width allows for a large instrument panel, with the P2010’s modular design specifically tailored to allow the customer to fit either an analogue or digital instrumentation package.