Expedition Aircraft, a new Canadian aircraft manufacturer, has announced that 90 percent of the work required to obtain certification for both its multi mission aircraft the E350 and E350XC has been completed.  With initial design specifications released it looks like this rugged aircraft will be a hit with both seaplane and backcountry pilots.

The E350 has tricycle gear and the XC is the tail dragger variant available with tundra tires or skies.  Both aircraft will be powered by a 315-hp Lycoming IO-580 engine delivering approximately 160 knots in cruise with a payload of 1600 pounds.

“Expedition E350 and E350XC customers will enjoy the best of both worlds – an aircraft with excellent cross-country cruising speeds and incredible performance coupled with enough payload and versatility to take your family almost anywhere” said Hamblin.  “Until now, pilots have had to settle for shrinking payloads in order to get performance.  Expedition Aircraft will deliver best-in-class value, payload and performance to our customers.”

The E350 prototype first flew in October of 2006. The company claims the initial performance of the aircraft includes a cruise speed of 160 knots combined with docile stall characteristics of 53 knots at a gross weight of 3800 lbs.  With its 100 gallon fuel tanks full, payload will be 1000 pounds.  At gross weight, take-off performance is 1300 feet over a 50 foot obstacle with a rate of climb of 1300 feet per minute at sea level.

Canadian and FAA certification is expected in Q3 of 2006.