An aircraft model that with its capabilities and performance, could surprise us, The P-750 XSTOL. A not so widely known aircraft, such as cessna´s or piper´s. However, this plane has many things to offer because of its multi-disciplinary roles, applications and variants whether it is freighter, passengers, Spraying, Fire Fighting, and skydive operations.
The P-750 has the capability of take-off and landing within extremely short distances of runway, so the XSTOL (Extremely Short Take-Off and Landing) name is given to it. 244m or less is the distance that the aircraft needs to take off and land. In addition, the runway condition is not a limitation, it can operate in a semi-prepared airstrips and different terrains.
Pacific Aerospace, the manufacturer, decided to enhance the Cresco model for the skydiving community, and develop the program for a new utility aircraft, with STOL performance for freight, passenger, agricultural, photography. In 2004, the FAA certified the PAC 750XL (since renamed the P-750 XSTOL), after the modifications of the program, some parts of the Cresco remained. However, Wings, ailerons, flaps, fuel system, etc. have been either replaced or modified.
From the preliminary phase of the design to FAA certification, it took about 52 months. Devised to be used in skydive operations, other use is given to the aircraft, in several operations, one of them is aerial survey.
Some specifications of the aircraft:
| SPEEDS | ||
| Never Exceed Speed (VNE) | 170 KIAS | 315 km/h |
| Design Cruising Speed (VC) | 140 KIAS | 259 km/h |
| Max. Manoeuvring Speed (VA) | 131 KIAS | 243 km/h |
| Max. Flap Extended Speed (VFE) | 120 KIAS | 222 km/h |
| Stall Speed (Idle Power) With Flaps Down (VS) | 58 KIAS | 107 km/h |
| RANGE | ||
| Max. Range At Optimum Speed, 45 mins Reserves At 16,000 FT | 1,179 NM | 2,183 km |
| Endurance At Optimum Speed, 45 mins Reserves | 8 H | |
| Average Fuel Consumption | 45 US gal/H | 170 Litres/H |
| Fuel Capacity, Useable | 330 US gal | 1,256 Litres |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| TAKE-OFF & LANDING PERFORMANCE | ||
| Normal Conditions, 7,500 LB | ||
| Take-Off Ground Roll At Sea Level, ISA | 721 ft | 220 m |
| Take-Off Distance To 15 M (50 FT) ISA | 1,503 ft | 458 m |
| Landing Ground Roll At Sea Level* | 543 ft | 166 m |
| Landing Distance From 15 M (50 FT)* | 950 ft | 289 m |
| *Reverse thrust selected on touchdown | ||
| CLIMB (AT MTOW) | ||
| Max. Rate Of Climb At Sea Level | 1,067 ft/min | 325 m/min |
| Max. Rate Of Climb at 8,000 FT | 951 ft/min | 290 m/min |
| Climb To 12,000 FT From Brakes Release | 12 min | |
| ALTITUDE LIMITS | ||
| Max. Operating Altitude | 20,000 ft | 6,096 m |
| Service Ceiling (At Max. Weight) | 20,000 ft | 6,096 m |
| NORMAL LOAD FACTORS | ||
| Max. Positive G | +3.5 G | |
| Max. Negative G | -1.4 G | |
| Wing Loading | 120.07 /m2 | 24.59 lb/ft2 |
| Power Loading | 10.0 lb/shp | 4.5 kg/shp |
| SINGLE PILOT IFR CERTIFIED (FAA) | Yes |
The versatility of the aircraft P-750 XSTOL is huge, it has a wide range of operational activities (aerospace.co.nz):
- Sets the benchmark for 10-seater STOL utility aircraft.
- Option of robust metal compartment lining with wall-mounted track for use with cargo nets and a partition located behind the pilot.
- Ability to take a mixed load of passengers and freight on the same flight.
- Able to carry seventeen skydivers or six tandem teams.
- Can be readily customer-modified for geophysical survey work.
- Able to carry a 4,888lb (2,272 kg) hopper.
- Effectively operates off short, narrow farm air strips that are often situated on ridgelines.
So, we saw the different operations of this unique airplane, and the versatility of flying and landing on unprepared runways. To load the payload in a safely and fast way.
References:
https://www.aerospace.co.nz/aircraft/p-750-xstol/description
Cover Photo: stuff.co.nz
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Youssef Yahya
Salma Ali
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.