Design and Development
The Comp Air 8 is a light, all-composite, multi-purpose aircraft developed by the American aircraft manufacturing company CompAir Inc. Design work began in the early 2000s, with constructors aiming to create a popular aircraft for both private and commercial use, specifically for transporting people and goods over short and medium distances. The first flight of the new machine took place in 2005, and serial production began two years later.
The Comp Air 8 was designed based on the Comp Air 7 model. The aircraft’s creators had to lengthen the airframe structure, which in turn led to an expanded cabin, allowing for a greater number of people or an equivalent weight of cargo. The aircraft was released as kits for self-assembly, and thanks to the standardization of components, a fully assembled structure could be achieved within 880-900 hours, which was quite acceptable.
Performance and Versatility
The aircraft is equipped with both standard landing gear for hard surfaces and float landing gear, enabling operations on water, a feature actively utilized. Initially, similar to the Comp Air 7, it was envisioned that the Comp Air 8 would be produced in two modifications – with piston and turboprop engines, respectively. However, the decision was ultimately made to use only a turboprop powerplant, as it allowed for unobstructed distances of up to 1127 kilometers with a maximum useful load of 1134 kilograms onboard.
The turboprop engine used is the Walter M 601D, which is quite reliable but expensive in terms of maintenance. This factor somewhat influenced the demand for these aircraft. The engine is capable of developing 657 hp, ensuring a maximum flight speed of 370 km/h (Vne).
Capacity and Operation
The Comp Air 8’s cabin, measuring 1168 mm wide (and 1206 mm optional), can accommodate up to 8 people, including seven passengers (or 6 adults and 2 children) and one pilot. Due to this capacity, the aircraft became utilized by American air carriers on local and regional routes, as well as an air taxi. If necessary, passenger seats in the cabin can be removed, allowing the aircraft to transport cargo, provided the maximum takeoff weight and cabin dimensions are not exceeded.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Comp Air 8 |
| Wingspan, m | 10.06 |
| Aircraft length, m | 9.60 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.74 |
| Wing area, m2 | 22.00 |
| Empty weight | 1270 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 2177 |
| Engine type | 1 Turboprop Walter M601D |
| Power, hp | 1 x 657 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 370 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 362 |
| Practical range, km | 1127 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 914 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | up to 7 passengers or 6 adults and 2 children |
Image gallery of the Comp Air 8
