Northwest Turbine, LLC of Spokane, Wash., has received FAA certification for its “Royal Turbine” Duke aircraft. The “Royal Turbine” Duke is modified under contract by Rocket Engineering, which also contracts to modify the Piper Malibu/Mirage “JetPROP” and the Beechcraft Bonanza “TurbineAir.” All three products utilize the Pratt & Whitney PT6-A turbine engine.
The pressurized, six-place, cabin class twin turboprop will take off in about 1,000 feet, climb at more than 3,500 feet per minute, and cruise for more than 1,000 nautical miles, at 300 knots at 28,000 feet, according to company officials, who added that customer deliveries will begin immediately.