Tecnam unveiled its latest Light Sport Aircraft at AERO 2013 in Friedrichshafen.
The Astore is a low wing two-seater, built around an airframe manufactured from a lightweight aluminium alloy, based it would appear on the successful P2002 Sierra. Its upper fuselage is constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic giving more svelte – and no doubt slippery – lines.
The Astore will be offered with either a Rotax 912ULS, 912iS or 914 engine. Prices start from 79,900 euros (basic 100hp 912ULS2 model, with analogue instruments and DYNON EFIS) to 100,000 euros-plus for the top-spec model.
The aircraft will be supplied with an iPad Mini as standard. This will feature a pre-installed App that computes the actual weight and balance, provides checklists and includes the Pilot Operating Handbook.
Professor Luigi Pascale, Tecnam’s Head of Aircraft Design, named his latest creation in honour of his first production aircraft – the P48 Astore.
Tecnam also launched its first single seat sports aerobatic aircraft, the SNAP at AERO 2013. According to the company, the SNAP offers a high power to weight ratio and low operating costs. It said that it will be easy to fly for anyone with basic taildragger experience. The all-metal airframe has a superficial resemblance to the Extra 300L. Power comes from a Rotax 9-series engine, modified by an outside company for inverted operation.
