PAC 750XL

infobox Aircraft
name = PAC 750



caption = N750SS lands at Chicagoland Skydiving Center after dropping jumpers
type = Turboprop
manufacturer = Pacific Aerospace.
designer =
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developed from = PAC Cresco
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The PAC 750 is a utility aircraft of conventional all-metal monoplane with tricycle undercarriage. Combining the engine and wings of the PAC Cresco with a new large fuselage and modified tail, all versions to date have been powered by a 750 hp (560 kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop. It is designed and manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand by the Pacific Aerospace Corporation.

Design and development

The design made its maiden flight in 2001. As with the Cresco, horizontal tail surfaces presented difficulties, and these were redesigned before the type entered production. The PAC 750 received full US FAA certification in 2004.

The type was targeted initially to the narrow market of skydiving. In the parachuting role, the high-lift wings from the Cresco and relatively high power to weight ratio enable the PAC 750 to take a load of parachutists to 12,000 feet (3,700 m) and return to land within 15 minutes. the type also has less space.

A wider market was subsequently sought, and examples have been sold for use in utility roles, including freight, agricultural applications, passenger operations, aerial photography and surveying. One aircraft has been extensively modified for geo-survey work, being fitted with a Magnetic anomaly detector sting tail. Proposed ski and float conversions have yet to fly. The PAC 750XL is used in South Africa by NatureLink on United Nations Humanitarian Air Services / World Food Programme contracts. While the manufacturer claims single-engine lower running costs than many other utility types, for example, the twin-engined DHC-6 Twin Otter though the type has less useable volume (large cargo panniers providing a partial solution).

Over 50 aircraft have been ordered in New Zealand by 2008, when the manufacturer stated production was increasing from 12 to 24 per year [http://www.aerospace.co.nz/cms_resources/P-750XL%20Aust%20Flying%20Mar%2008.pdf] .

The type is marketed in the U.S. by the Utility Aircraft Corporation, in Africa by Naturelink Aviation [http://www.naturelink.co.za] and in Asia by Lloyd Aviation. In New Zealand there has been some medica criticism of government assistance for manufacturer following cancellation of a large order, (and the related plan to manufacture the aircraft in North America).

Accidents

* PAC 750 registration ZK-UAC was lost on 26th December 2003 after ditching in the Pacific Ocean during a ferry flight from New Zealand to the United States. The pilot, Kelvin Stark, did not survive the ditching [cite web |url=http://www.caa.govt.nz/Accident_Reports/ZK-UAC_Fatal_26Dec2003.pdf |title=CAA Accident report ZK-UAC |work=Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand |accessdate=2008-06-19] .
* PAC 750 registration ZK-JPP was lost on 21st September 2008 after crashing in the Forest of Gibloux, near Gumefens, Switzerland. Both crew members were killed in the crash [cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=22911 |title=Aviation Safety Network |work=Aviation Safety Network |accessdate=2008-10-07] .

pecifications

General characteristics

* Crew: 1 pilot, 9 passengers or 17 skydivers.
* Wing loading: 24.59 lb/ft² (120 kg/m²)
* MTOW: 7500 lb (3400 kg)
* Empty weight: 3100 lb (1410 kg)
* Useful load: 4400 lb (1990 kg)
* Powerplant: 750 hp (560 kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop

Performance

* Cruising speed: 170 kt (315 km/h)
* Range: 582 nautical miles (1078 km) (max load and 45 minute reserve)
* Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6100 m)
* Endurance: 5 hours fully loaded with 45 minute reserves.
* Takoff, Sea Level, MTOW, Ground roll: 1023 ft (315 m)
* Landing, Max Landing weight load (1827kg): 360 ft (110 m)
* Rate of climb: At least 1000 ft/min (5 m/s) at maximum take-off load.

ee also

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* PAC Cresco

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References

External links

* [http://www.aerospace.co.nz/ Manufacturers web site]
* [http://www.utilityaircraft.com/]
* [http://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-arcticutility-pac.htm RCAF requirement]