Since the beginning of the P-Volt development, Tecnam’s focus has been to provide operators with the ability to fly an all-electric passenger aircraft profitably, efficiently and sustainably in terms of operating costs, emissions, performance, turnaround and time to market. At present, Tecnam believes that these can only be achieved by extremely aggressive speculation on uncertain technology developments.

Tecnam has a deep understanding of electric flight, gained from previous projects such as the H3ps hybrid aircraft based on the P2010 four-seater, and today we have looked closely at the state of the art in energy storage and realistic 5 year developments, excluding technological revolutions that no one can speculate on. One of the conclusions was that an aircraft with a battery pack at the end of its life would not be the best product for the market, but certainly the worst in terms of Net Present Value (NPV).

The proliferation of aircraft with “new” batteries would lead to unrealistic mission profiles that would quickly degrade after a few weeks of operation, making the all-electric passenger aircraft a mere “Green Transition flagship” rather than a real player in the decarbonisation of aviation. Taking into account the most optimistic projections of slow charge cycles and the possible limitation of the maximum charge level per cycle, the real storage capacity would fall below 170Wh/kg, and only a few hundred flights would drive operators to replace the entire storage unit, with a dramatic increase in direct operating costs due to the reserves for battery replacement prices.

With dozens of EASA and FAA certifications, Tecnam is the most active General Aviation manufacturer in the world with the highest number of new type certifications in recent years. The company’s mission has always been to design and manufacture products with the highest value for money in terms of efficiency, CO2 emissions, operating costs and profitability. Today, Tecnam believes that these key factors cannot define a new aircraft development as “viable” with a target entry into service by 2026-2028.

Tecnam is constantly and closely monitoring the evolution of technologies capable of achieving net-zero emissions targets, working with the leading manufacturers of propulsion systems and providing them with direction and guidance, ready to bring the P-Volt back into the type certification arena as soon as technology evolution allows.

Fabio Russo, Tecnam’s Chief R&D Officer said: “We don’t feel attracted by the “2026“ stream or any Electric Rush. It has always been our culture to commit to achievable goals with customers and operators, and we intend to keep that promise. We hope that new technologies will make businesses viable sooner rather than later, and we have real confidence in our partners’ ability to bring highly valuable products to the zero-emission powertrain and energy storage arena.”

CAPUA, April 13 – TECNAM has announced the introduction of a new, revolutionary aircraft into the General Aviation arena – a model named
P-Mentor. With the Type Certificate issued on April 7, 2022, the P-Mentor sees its official birth date. The aircraft will be showcased for a worldwide premiere at AERO Friedrichshafen at Tecnam Stand No. A4-319.

“Mentor: an experienced and trusted person you rely on to give you advice and guidance, especially in your career”

With these words in mind Tecnam started the P-Mentor program: a simple and sustainable solution to guide student pilots from their first flight up to Instrument Rating, all in one two-seater single piston aircraft: IFR; PBN, RNAV; Variable Pitch, Autopilot, Simulated Retractable Gear Control; BRS.

The P-Mentor is the ultimate synthesis of Tecnam’s leadership, knowledge and experience in solutions for Flight Training Organizations and private customers.

The P-Mentor allows complete PPL, IR and UPRT training, with approved PBN/RNAV as well as AFCS: the entire training syllabus with unprecedented fuel consumption and emissions, further enhancing the renowned profitability of Tecnam-made fleet.

For the first time ever, the extremely fuel efficient and low-emissions Rotax 912iSc becomes the hearth of a full IFR-approved aircraft, coupled with an MT constant speed propeller.

The all-new wing specially designed for the P-Mentor features a tapered planform with laminar flow airfoil and mixed structure; light alloy for spars and wing box, CFRP for the one-piece leading edge. Its design allowed the P-Mentor to pass the latest CS-23 Amendment requirements for low speed and stall characteristics without ballistic recovery system being essential part of the aircraft configuration. BRS is approved and available as an option for customers who require additional safety add-ons. Integral fuel tank is located behind the main spar and it offers a remarkable 130lt volume and more than 9 hours endurance.

Flight and Training experience offers the state-of-art Garmin^® G3X glass cockpit, with Garmin^® GI275 as back-up instrument and multiple configurations to allow PBN/RNAV as well as GFCTM 500 autopilot training. Simulated retractable gear control for enhanced students’ proficiency since their first flight is available as an option.

Besides its revolutionary avionics, the P-Mentor sports Tecnam’s signature Italian style with the clean and sleek lines, interiors shaped around a large cabin, modern seats and superior visibility.

Tecnam’s commitment towards sustainable aviation is a reality today: flight training choosing Tecnam as their single and twin-engine aircraft fleet supplier can save up to 10 tons of CO² for every graduated Commercial Pilot. The less-emission training fleet currently available is Made-In-Tecnam.

P-Mentor is the IFR approved aircraft with the lowest fuel consumption and CO² emissions, with up to 60% of emissions reduction when compared with IFR competitors.

A number of selected Training Organisations already pre-ordered the
P-Mentor, confirming the great benefits of this new design.

More info on the P-Mentor:

https://tecnam.com/aircraft/pmentor

“We are delighted to present the P-Mentor today. I am sure this new design will revitalize the Trainer market, helping many flight schools to remain competitive and profitable and making new student pilots happier and more proficient. Real sustainability, fuel economy and profitability start here,” says Tecnam’s Managing Director, Giovanni Pascale. 

“When I see a new Type Certificate with this model’s name, I think of my father and my uncle, prof. Luigi Pascale – the men who started this adventure. It also reminds me of all our collaborators and customers that brought us here today – our Mentors Tecnam’s CEO, Paolo Pascale. 

CAPUA, Italy. In this modern world, full of challenges and changes, TECNAM remains more focused than ever on exploring innovative solutions for the future of greener aviation. Never has it been more important to pursue knowledge and develop practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions, both in design and in operation.

With these key factors in mind, TECNAM is pleased to announce a partnership with Rolls-Royce and major worldwide aviation players, including North American and European airlines for the development of the P-Volt: an all-electric, twin electric motor, Short and Medium Range passenger aircraft, designed for maximum versatility and safety, powered by renewable energy.

The P-Volt will benefit of TECNAM’s achievements in the 11 seats category aircrafts, where, after decades, the P2012 Traveller has established a new global reference, the P-Volt will be the first commercial
9 passengers, cargo, medical evacuation and special mission aircraft to be electrified directly by the manufacturer, raising TECNAM’s ‘DREAM concept’ (Durability, Reliability, Employability, Affordability & Manageability) to a new, unrivalled level of efficiency.

The TECNAM P-Volt propulsion system and avionics, engineered to lift the world to sustainable energy along with the Clean Aviation roadmap, will be specifically targeted at commercial operations. All-electric motors, avionics, heating, air conditioning and state-of-the art de-ice/anti-ice systems, will provide fully sustainable and pollution-free transportation.

Dedicated battery technology will ensure full power availability for quick turnaround times between landing and take-off. The benefits of the propulsion system also extend to reducing the aircraft’s operating costs and noise emissions for a more accessible and comfortable transportation system that will elevate the air travel operations worldwide to new heights.

TECNAM and Rolls-Royce are already in partnership with the H3PS project: a parallel hybrid electric version of the P2010 four-seater, pairing the electric motor from Rolls-Royce with a combustion engine from Rotax.

Paolo Pascale Langer, TECNAM CEO: “TECNAM is proud to announce the P-Volt design and development.  We all need to commit our efforts towards systems that contribute to decarbonization. By combining efficiency and renewable energy into the futuristic propulsion system, we will not only reduce costs, but also grant a greener future to our passion for flying.”

Rob Watson, Director, Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “Rolls-Royce is committed to delivering the electrification of flight and to support the de-carbonisation of aviation. This new partnership with TECNAM will strengthen our existing relationship, further developing both companies’ capabilities. We are delighted to work with all the partners on a programme that has the potential to develop the technology to make a significant leap in the commuter market.”

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

1. Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
2. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
3. Annual underlying revenue was £15.45 billion in 2019, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services.
4. In 2019, Rolls-Royce invested £1.46 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.

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