In late 2015, the Sonaca group announced the creation of the
subsidiary “Sonaca Aircraft” dedicated to the development, certification
and market launch of a new training aircraft named Sonaca 200. The
two-seater single-engine, specifically designed for pilots’ training and
leisure flights, is currently under certification.
Key facts
- Sonaca 200 is the name that has just been assigned to the first aircraft assembled, in Belgium, by Sonaca Aircraft.
- The aircraft stands out on the market of
general aviation thanks to its stunning flight performances and
characteristics, its reliability and reduced operational cost.
- While under ongoing certification, the aircraft registers pre-orders from the first European customers.
An aircraft designed by and for pilots
Sonaca Aircraft gambled on starting from the users’ needs. Pierre Van
Wetter, Marketing & Sales Director of Sonaca Aircraft details “We
chose to meet key-players from all over Europe (flight schools, aero
clubs and private pilots) in order to help us define the specifications.
This is when the idea of designing a single-engine two-seater aircraft
dedicated to training and leisure was hatched. Our objective was clearly
to develop the most appropriate machine to meet the market
expectations.”
The aerodynamic performances, the easygoing handling capability and
reliability make the aircraft ideally suited for pilots’ training.
A « made in Belgium » aircraft EASA certified
A demonstration aircraft is currently being tested in Belgium and
neighbouring countries. “The first feedbacks from users are excellent.
We are identifying the last modifications to be made. These are mostly
structural and aim at improving the reliabilty, the robustness and
maintenance cost” declares Pierre Van Wetter.
Sonaca 200 will be EASA
(1) certified for a maximum take-off weight (MTOW
(2)) of 750kg and cruise speed of 115 knots
(3). In addition to the obtention of the type certification, Sonaca Aircraft has initiated a procedure of DOA
(4) and POA
(5) certification.
« The production site will be certified according to European norms. We
will be allowed, to a certain extent, to modify the aircraft without
introducing new certification requests; which will enable us to limit
costs, to be autonomous and reactive » states Pierre Van Wetter.
Ambitious and innovative industrial project
With a capital of more than 2 millions euros, Sonaca Aircraft is
owned at 65% by the aeronautic supplier Sonaca and at 35% by The
Airplane Factory. « Benefitting from the financial support of renowned
industrial actors guarantees a financial solidarity to the project and
enables us to move forward quickly with the commercialisation of the
aircraft” Yves Delatte comments, CEO of Sonaca Aircraft.
On the general aviation market, the aircraft stands out thanks to
reduced maintenance cost, low fuel consumption (including unleaded
gasoline) and quality of the after-sales service. “As subsidiary of the
Sonaca group (direct supplier of Airbus, Dassaut, Embraer and
Bombardier), Sonaca Aircraft offers a technical support of international
class to its aircrafts, including delivery of replacement parts and
repair solutions within 48h in order to minimise aircraft grounding »
contends Yves Delatte.
Assembled in Belgium, the aircraft is already commercialised. The first deliveries are planned for (end) 2017.
A 4-seater version of the machine is being studied.
Sonaca 200 Technical specifications
ENGINE :
SEATS :
DIMENSIONS :
- Wingspan : 9,15 m
- Length : 7 m
WEIGHT AND LOAD :
- Empty weight : 430 kg
- Maximal mass at take-off : 750 kg
- Fuel capacity : 140 l (2 x 70 l)
PERFORMANCES :
- Max cruise speed : 115 knots
- Climb rate : 750 feet per minute
STRUCTURE :
- Fuselage and wings : Aluminium Alloy
- Landing gear : Fibreglass + epoxy resin
CONSOMMATION :
PRICE :
- Base rate (March 2016) : 175 000 euros.
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