First introduced in 1993,[4] the aircraft was developed for the ultralight category and has since evolved into one of Tecnam's most produced models, with over 2,500 units in service as 2018.[5]
It has been widely used for recreational flying and primary flight training in Europe, North America, and other regions.[5] Since its introduction in 1993, the P92 has been developed in multiple variants, including the Echo, Echo Super, JS, Eaglet, and others. The current production version is called P92 Echo MkII, and it was introduced in 2016.[6][7]
Today, the P92 Echo MkII, features a strut-braced high wing, fixed tricycle landing gear, and side-by-side seating. Its airframe is primarily metal, with a composite (carbon‑fibre) fuselage, while earlier versions had all‑metal construction. It is powered by Rotax 912ULS series engines with 100 hp. The P92 Echo MkII has a published stall speed of approximately 39 knots (72 km/h) with full flaps, and a take-off distance of 1211ft (369 metres).[6][8]
Development
The P92 was the first aircraft designed and manufactured entirely by Tecnam. Before of the 1990s Tecnam was producing parts for other companies such as Aeritalia and McDonnell Douglas.[9] Encouraged by the introduction of Italian Law 106/1985,[10] which legalized recreational flight with ultralight aircraft and opened new market opportunities, Tecnam revisited an earlier design by Luigi Pascale to develop what would become the Tecnam P92, a two-seat, high-wing, all-metal ultralight aircraft designed for both private use and flight training.[9]
The P92 prototype conducted its maiden flight on 14 March 1993 in Capua[9] and shortly after debuted at the Bassano del Grappa Air Show. The P92 progressively entered service with a wide range of flying clubs and pilot training institutions. Throughout its development, Tecnam released multiple versions, such as the P92-J, P92 Echo Super, P92 Eaglet, and P92 MkII, each incorporating gradual upgrades in avionics, aerodynamics, construction materials (including the introduction of composite fuselages), and cockpit ergonomics. As reported by aviation journalist Dan Johnson, by 2018 more than 2,500 units had been delivered globally, making the P92 Tecnam’s most produced aircraft to date.[9][11]
Design
The P92 Echo MkII, introduced in 2016, is the most recent evolution of the P92 and it's the only version manufactured today. While maintaining the traditional strut-braced high-wing configuration, side-by-side seating, and fixed tricycle landing gear, the MkII introduced structural and ergonomic updates compared to previous variants.[6]
The fuselage of the P92 Echo MkII is constructed using carbon-fiber composite materials, reducing weight and increasing structural efficiency, while the wings and tail surfaces remain in aluminium alloy. This hybrid construction allows the aircraft to retain robustness for training operations while benefiting from the weight savings and shaping flexibility of composites. The landing gear is non-retractable and reinforced to endure repeated take-offs and landings in a flight school environment.[12]
The cabin features revised ergonomics aiming to improve visibility, soundproofing, and comfort, and is designed to accommodate both analog and glass cockpit avionics configurations, including optional systems such as the Garmin G3X Touch. Access to the cockpit is provided via large side doors, and the seating layout accommodates two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement.[6]
The aircraft is powered by a 100 hp Rotax 912ULS four-stroke engine in tractor configuration, and is equipped with a fixed-pitch propeller. According to published specifications, the Echo MkII has a stall speed of approximately 39 knots (72 km/h) with full flaps and a take-off distance of 1,211 ft (369 m) under standard atmospheric conditions.[6]
The P92 Echo MkII is available in different configurations to comply with both European ultralight regulations (MTOW 472.5 kg) and US light-sport aircraft (LSA) standards (MTOW up to 600 kg). It is included in the list of FAA-accepted Special Light-Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) and is certified under various national civil aviation authorities.[13][14]
Variants
Tecnam P92 Taildragger
P92-JS
An upgraded version of the P92-J with 100hp (75kW)Rotax 912S. Changes include shortened wings, metal flaps, redesigned engine cowling and fairings.
A conventional landing gear equipped (taildragger) compliant with the American Light Sport rules, First flown on 22 December 2011 and introduced at Sun 'n Fun 2012.[3][15]
1 2 3 4 Mavilio, Stefano (2021). The Sky is the Limit: An Aviation Legacy. The Story of Tecnam and the Pascale Brothers. Editori Paparo. pp.319–330. ISBN978-88-3198-373-0.
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