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Toronto, Ontario – February 20, 2007-Found Aircraft announced today the beginning of its new division - Expedition Aircraft. Along with the creation of this new company, Found also announced that it is in the final stages of certification for two new piston aircraft, the E350 and the E350XC. Both aircraft will utilize the same rugged, four door, four seats (with optional 5th seat) design. Both aircraft will be equipped with the proven 315hp Lycoming IO-580 engine, offering customers industry leading horsepower, performance and payload.
Expedition’s E350 will be equipped with tricycle gear while the E350XC will utilize a rugged conventional gear, allowing it to be equipped with both tundra tires and skis for backcountry flying. To add to its versatility, both aircraft will be available for floatplane conversions, utilizing either the Aerocet 3400/3500 or Wipline 3450 floats.“Unlike similar aircraft, the Expedition’s design is strong enough to accommodate floatplane operations without additional structural reinforcements” stated Expedition Aircraft’s Director of Marketing and Sales Andrew Hamblin. “With 315 horsepower, the E350 and E350XC will be very impressive performers. We are convinced that this will be the aircraft of choice for both seaplane and backcountry pilots.” The E350 prototype aircraft celebrated its first flight on October 3rd, 2006 and has already exceeded expectations during its 100+ hours in the air to date. The initial performance of the aircraft includes a cruise speed of 160 ktas combined with docile stall characteristics of 53 kcas at a gross weight of 3800 lbs. Useful load in the spacious 50” wide cabin will be in the 1600 lbs. range. Even with its 100 gallon fuel tanks full, payload will be an impressive 1000 lbs. 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. “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.” Expedition Aircraft will be launching both the E350 and E350XC at Air Venture 2007 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from July 23 – 29, 2007. Transport Canada and FAA Certification is expected by Q3 of 2007 with production to commence by Q4 of this year. These fast timelines are obtainable since Expedition has already completed 90% of the required certification work for the aircraft and currently holds a valid Transport Canada approved Production Certificate. Original Release
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