Velocity Aircraft’s twin-engine speed machine, the V-Twin, is being taken to a new level with the integration of PBS Aerospace TP100 turboprop engines. It took its first flight on March 25 at its home base in Sebastian, Florida.
The original V-Twin prototype has been flying since March 2012. It is already considered a high-performance aircraft, typically using two 160-horsepower Lycoming IO-320s. It can also be powered by 190-hp Titan IO-370s, 180-hp Deltahawk Diesels, or even 220-hp UL520Ts.
With this selection of piston engines, the aircraft can cruise at up to 250 knots and fly for a maximum of 1900 nautical miles at a time. It typically weighs around 2,000 pounds empty and can support 1,200 pounds of useful load.
Even more exciting, the V-Twin is offered as a fast-build kit. It costs around $127,000 plus engines, avionics, and all the other fun stuff.
Now, twelve years after the aircraft initially hit the market, Velocity is giving the V-Twin even more to brag about with the introduction of PBS Aerospace TP100 turboprops. These engines are commonly used in UAVs and small planes due to their impressively high power-to-weight ratio, producing a maximum thrust of 241 hp at just 135.8 pounds. It can also operate at up to 29,500 feet, hinting at the V-Twin introducing cabin pressurization to take full advantage of its powerplants.
The turbine-powered V-Twin took its maiden flight out of Sebastian-Roseland Municipal Airport (X26), located on Florida’s east coast between Vero Beach and Melbourne, on March 25. It has since flown several more times, all with seemingly no significant hiccups. Footage of the first takeoff showed just how powerful the turbine variant will be, all while using only 90 percent of its power while it works its way into higher thrust operations.
“The TURBINE powered Velocity V-Twin flew today for the first time!!! Great first flight with just a few minor squawks,” the manufacturer posted on social media.
The turbine V-Twin has already made its way over to Lakeland for Sun N Fun and, if all goes to plan, will be on display at the EAA’s Oshkosh Airventure airshow in July.
