Big new utility from Canada
Well-known in the aircraft sales business, Bryce Ducker has recently returned from Canada with a new mission – to market Found Aircraft’s new Expedition E350, a new five seat utility bush aircraft with some pretty interesting performance figures.
A direct descendant of Found Brothers FBA-2, and the later Bush Hawk XP, the new generation E350 series was FAA certified in December 2008 and is now in production at the Company’s facility at Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada.
Powered by Lycoming’s gutsy 315 hp IO-580 driving an 82 inch (208 cm) diameter Hartzell three blade constant speed propeller and the whole family of Found aircraft have always been “built for the bush.” The Expedition features a rugged crash-resistant tubular steel structure but with clean aerodynamics delivered by its smooth non-structural composite skin, and also offers remarkable short-field and payload/range numbers. The combination of impressive grunt and a huge 17.18 sq m wing area delivers 160 knots cruise TAS at 75% power using 18.5 USG (70 lt) per hour, but the Expedition retains a STOL capability not usually found in high cruise speed aircraft – 1215 feet (375 m) take-off over 50 foot obstacle; and 1394 feet (430 m) landing over 50 foot obstacle.
Payload/Range also shows some impressive numbers. With a gross weight of 3800 lb (1724 kg), and empty weight of 2300 lb (1043 kg), the E350 enjoys a useful load of 1500 lbs (680 kg). And even with full fuel of 98 USG (370 lt) usable the aircraft still offers a 912 lb (414 kg) payload – enough to take it out to its maximum range of 720nm using normal cruise power with all five seats full and a 45 min reserve.
The cabin features four doors, all with big observer windows, and five seats – three across the back but with the centre seat able to move further forward to enhance shoulder room – or a huge 2.1 m by 1.2 m cargo area.
And the aircraft will also be offered with tundra tyres, amphibious floats, or in the tailwheel configuration of its illustrious forbears.
Bryce Ducker flew the Expedition and fell in love, but he’d be equally happy to find a launch customer.
For more information regarding the Expedition E350, visit www.bryceduckeraircraftsales.com
