New construction of Grumman Albatross with PW turboprops
A first order for Australian amphibians
In northern Australia, Amphibian Aerospace Industries wants to relaunch the venerable Grumman Albatross. Modern PW turboprop engines should help the amphibious twin engine achieve greater range and reliability. The Australians are already planning multiple variants and an extended version.
Sebastian Steinke
08/02/2022
Australian businessman Steve Baxter has ordered the first aircraft made in Australia, Australia’s Northern Territory Premier Natasha Fyles said on Tuesday. The Albatross G-111T, the so-called new turboprop version, will finally be assembled in Darwin. Australian manufacturer Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) has recently signed a cooperation agreement with Japanese company Shinmeva to help here. The first completion of an aircraft is planned for 2026.
Federation supported
AAI and a consortium of 15 partners including SPEE3D, Nupress, Thermal Treatment Australia, Dassault Systems, Airport Development Group (ADG), Territory Aviation Skills Centre, Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory (NT), Careers Skills Network NT, Nuclear Technology and Nuclear Science Australia. The organization, the Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund, the Advanced Manufacturing Development Center NT and the regional government, will receive a grant of around seven million euros to set up production. Australians expect a tenfold return in ten years.
US approval accepted
Additionally, in 2016 FAA manufacturer approval was taken of the original Grumman Albatross, of which a total of 466 examples were built between 1949 and 1966. The new G-111T replaced the original nine-cylinder Wright Cyclones with modern Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-67F propeller turbines. A glass cockpit will also be installed.
Versatile roles
The aircraft can be used as a 28-passenger passenger aircraft, a 4.5-tonne cargo aircraft, a rescue aircraft carrying up to twelve patients on a stretcher, and a maritime surveillance aircraft with a flight duration of up to twelve hours or 20 hours. hours with additional tanks. It is particularly suitable for operation in rivers and estuaries.
Structural support and high technology projects
In the medium term, the Australians are already planning a test run with an extended version and fuel cell engines. The politically funded project aims to promote and create new high-tech jobs in the north of the country.
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