New aircraft builder for Shannon?

THE creator of a revolutionary light aircraft, the Speedtwin Comet 1, has said he is working closely with the Shannon Airport Authority with a view to establishing a manufacturing base for the aircraft at Shannon.

If such a base is developed, it would be the first time aircraft manufacturing is carried out in Ireland.
The aircraft was created by Malcolm Ducker and its maiden Irish flight demonstration took place at Shannon on Wednesday. It has a maximum speed of 264mph and can take off or land in just 100 metres in any reasonably flat terrain.

Speaking after the demonstration, Mr Ducker said Shannon has a lot to offer. “Shannon has traditionally punched above its weight on a global scale when it comes to aviation. It has been one of the world’s most innovative aviation centres, with an extraordinary history of aviation firsts. We have been talking to the people at Shannon about this project for some time and we get a real sense that it still has that ‘can do’ innovative approach to aviation.”

The Government said it wants to develop an International Aviation Services Centre at Shannon and Mr Ducker said he has been encouraged by its input.

“Your Government has also come in with some incentives to support the sector, which is also an encouraging message and on top of that, you have a very attractive tax regime. All of that together is certainly very attractive to us.

“At the moment, we are moving to the next level with the Speedtwin and the development and production of the aircraft will require new skills and investment. We are confident we will get that and are excited about the worldwide potential market. We see Shannon as an ideal manufacturing base for the aircraft.”

With twin engines, tandem seating, short-field take-off abilities, seven hours endurance and competitive manufacturing costs, the Speedtwin offers remarkable operating capabilities with its use for things like border and coastline patrol surveillance as well as the protection of pipelines.

The aircraft has been under development since the early 2000s and March 2007 saw the first flight of the pre-production prototype. All official test-flying programmes were completed in April 2011. In July of last year the Speedtwin Comet 1 participated in the aerobatic flying display at the Farnborough International Air Show.

Shannon chairperson Rose Hynes said securing investment would be a coup. “It would be a great step for Shannon if Speedtwin Developments were located here. It would be the first time aircraft manufacturing would have taken place in the country.”