The Adam A500 is a six-seat civil utility aircraft currently under development. The aircraft is of pod-and-boom configuration with its two TCM TSIO-550 piston engines mounted fore-and-aft. It is the production version of the Burt Rutan-designed Adam M-309.

Compared to conventional twin-engine installations, this centreline thrust arrangement reduces drag and maximises the controllability of the aircraft should one engine malfunction or fail. The A500 airframe is largely built of composite materials. Other features include FADEC and cabin pressurization.

The prototype first flew on July 11 2002 and was expected to be FAA certified in early 2003, although this still had not happened by mid-2004.

Specifications (A500)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Capacity: five passengers
• Length: 33 ft 8 in (10.27 m)
• Wingspan: 44 (13.41 m)
• Height: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m)
• Wing area: ft² ( m²)
• Empty: 4,200 lb (1,909 kg)
• Loaded: 6,300 lb (2,864 kg)
• Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: 2x TCM TSIO-550 E, 350 hp (261 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 288 mph (461 km/h)
• Range: 1,654 miles (2,646 km)
• Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,622 m)
• Rate of climb: 1,800 ft/min (549 m/min)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
• Power/Mass:

Related content

Related development: Adam M-309 - Adam A700

Comparable aircraft: Cessna Skymaster