Tecnam announces series of product updates

The company’s twin-powered P2006T has received European Aviation Safety Agency approval for a package of upgrades, including a panel switch to the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. The upgrade means that all P2006Ts will be Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In and Out compliant from the factory. Cabin enhancements in the package include a new seat design with electric adjustment. FAA validation is expected in a few weeks.

Announced as a new project a few years ago, the P2012 development is also continuing. The 11-seat piston, fixed-gear twin is meant for the light commercial market, but has applications from VIP transport to skydiving. Tecnam said the second airframe, which will serve as the first conforming prototype, is now complete, and deposits of $100,000 are being accepted.

The airplane will be equipped with 375-horsepower turbocharged Lycoming engines from the iE2 series, featuring electronic ignition. Tecnam’s Director of Sales Shannon Yeager said that the fixed gear and piston configuration were very deliberate choices that serve a gap in the market. Cape Air is set to be the launch customer and take first delivery in 2019. “We are aggressively coming down that hill and it’s moving fast,” he said.