July 25, 2007 Extra! Kitplanes Magazine Previews the Evolution from Lancair

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By Marc Cook, Mike Blakeney, Kitplanes Editor (Cook)
AVweb's Audio Editor (Blakeney)

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Lancair International, longtime producer of kit aircraft, announced at AirVenture a new model called the Evolution. It takes up where the Lancair IV-P and PropJet have left off, offering more speed, improved "buildability," an entirely new structure and an increased emphasis on safety. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6-A turbine detrated to 550 shp for takeoff, the Evolution is expected to cruise at nearly 340 knots TAS and go as far as 860 nautical miles at its most efficient cruise settings. The four-place, pressurized, all-carbon-fiber airplane starts as a $250,000 kit; expected completed prices range from $600,000 to $850,000, depending upon engine choice.

The prototype Evolution is expected to fly later this year. Company CED Joe Bartels talked to Kitplanes editor-in-chief Marc Cook about the aircraft and its gestation.

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