COMMERCIAL P2012 TRAVELLER
There are very few competitors to the
P2012 Traveller. Besides the Cessna 402C,
production of which ended in 1985, there
is the Cessna 208B Caravan. However, this
is a single-engine turboprop, so has higher
operating costs. In addition, the Traveller
has two engines, which not only makes
passengers more confident, but also gives
higher flight safety over the sea. The P2012
has very good single-engine performance;
after take-off at the maximum weight of
3,600kg (7,930lb) it can climb with one
engine inoperative conditions at 300ft (91m)
per minute.
The Traveller is configured for passenger
transport, but it can be reconfigured quickly
for cargo duties, emergency services work
and parachute drops. Mavilio said: “We
believe very much in the cargo version. We
have studies that demonstrate an increasing
request of freight transportation [closer] to
a final destination. Our aircraft can link big
hubs to small airfields, even with unpaved
runways. The P2012, with its high wing,
allows this kind of operation with a high
level of safety. We look with interest at some
markets, such as Africa, where strong aircraft
with these features are greatly appreciated.”
Mavilio explained a number of factors
impacted the design philosophy of the
Traveller: “First, we produce aircraft designed
by enthusiasts; our designers know perfectly
what pilots want. Second, our experiences
with ultralight aircraft, above all with the well-
known P92, allow us to find out innovative
solutions for designing our aircraft. This
knowhow is included in the aircraft certified
for general aviation use. Many solutions that
in the past were not considered, today are a
basic part of our projects, with the specific
aim to increase the quality, safety, and
performance standards.”Features and performance
The main features of the P2012 Traveller
are latest generation technologies, easy
maintenance, low operating costs and a
robust construction of airframe and interiors.TECNAM P2012 TRAVELLER CHARACTERISTICS
(PROVISIONAL DATA)
Length: 11.8m (38.7ft)
Wingspan: 14m (45.93ft)
Height: 4.40m (14.40ft)
Max take-off weight: 3,600kg (7,936.6lb)
Empty weight: 2,250kg (4,960lb)
Max payload: 1.350kg (2,976lb)
Take-off run (max take-off weight): 350m (1,148ft)
Take-off run (with 15m obstacle): 600m (1,970ft)
Landing run (max take-off weight): 250m (820ft)
Landing run (with 15m obstacle): 500m (1,640ft)
Max speed (at 8,000ft): 240kts (444 km/h)
Cruise speed (75% at 10,000ft): 190kts (352km/h)
Stall speed (full flap): 60kts (111km/h)
Climb rate: 1,500ft/min (457m/min)
Max range: 1,137nm (2,105km) or 6.3 hours’ endurance
Fuel capacity: 800 litres (212 US gallons)
Payload with max fuel: 772kg (1,700lb)
Fuel consumption (75% at 10,000ft): 113.5 litres/hr (30 US gallons/hr)
Engines: Two Lycoming TEO-540-C1As delivering 375hp (279kW) each, coupled to variable pitch
three-bladed propellersThe P2012 Traveller can
accommodate up to nine
passengers; its two Lycoming
TEO-540-C1A engines are
controlled electronically and
represents the most advanced
Lycoming technology.Executives from Tecnam and the P2012 Traveller’s first customer Cape Air, which has ordered 100 examples.