Turbine Explorer Features

The Explorer aircraft is a technological breakthrough in the single engine category, incorporating selected composite material construction and modern aerodynamics to provide a working aircraft that surpasses all expectations.

The following features are common to the family of aircraft:

• Large fuselage cross section 61" x 53"
• Flat cabin floor
• Novel use of composite materials
• Fuselage mounted undercarriage
  

Wing characteristics

• Strutted wing minimizes weight and maximizes cabin height
• Wing taper provides exceptional roll rate
• Aerodynamic and geometric washout prevent wing tip stall
• High aspect ratio for good field and climb performance
• Thick airfoil minimizes structural weight and maximizes fuel volume

Learn about the wing design..

Tailored airfoil

• Very high lift capability
• Low pitching moment
• Low drag
• Docile stall handling qualities

Undercarriage

• Retractable undercarriage for higher speed and improved performance
• Main undercarriage leg of fiberglass spring for high strength and weight savings, good damping on landing and suitable for rough runways
• Conventional nose oleo leg
• Wide wheel track for stability
• Main undercarriage retracts into streamline pods maintaining flat cabin floor
• Main tires 6.50 x 10 8 ply, nose tire 6.50 x 6 8 ply.

Cabin

• High cabin volume
• Very wide and roomy (61" wide x 53" height) and more comfortable than most twin engine aircraft.
• Flat floor -flexible seating arrangement with 5 full length seat tracks
• Large cargo door 49" high x 50" wide
• Two crew doors for easy entry
• Large cabin windows for tourist panoramic view
• Composite structure reduces cabin noise
• Cargo bays, forward, rear, and cargo pod

Powerplant

• Proven powerplants used
• Proven propeller systems used
• Large access doors for maintenance
• Good cooling for the hottest of climates

Innovation and novel approach to design

• Composite fuselage enables strong aerodynamic shapes and weight savings
• Optimum use of molded parts to keep parts count low and hence cost
• Metal structure used where best suited
• Smart assembly method to reduce production costs

Learn about the Explorer design..

Ease of maintenance

• Progressive maintenance system
• Good access to systems
• No corrosion in composite parts
• Easy access down aft fuselage and tail
• Removable floor
• Quick access to engine
  

Method of manufacture

• Metal wings
• Metal horizontal stabilizer and fin
• Metal fuselage sub-structure
• Composite fuselage
• Composite doors, engine cowls and trimmings
  

Versatility of roles

Civil Roles

• Tourist sightseeing
• Short haul passenger carrying
• Freighter aircraft
• Outback/remote area aircraft
• Aerial photography
• Air ambulance
• Airborne geophysical survey
• Sky diving

Military Roles

• Cargo and logistics support
• Paratroop and supply dropping
• Medevac and electronic surveillance
• Forward air control and passenger troop transport
• Search and rescue, border and coastal surveillance
• Underwing and fuselage hardpoints