Veteran aircraft designer Tom Hamilton, who founded Glasair and Quest Aircraft and helped develop the Kodiak turboprop series, has launched a new venture called Reach Aviation to develop a utility aircraft for the general aviation market.

The new aircraft, called the AC-6, is designed as a short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft intended for demanding missions such as humanitarian aid, cargo and backcountry flying. It aims to bridge the gap between aging piston platforms and more expensive turbine models.

The AC-6 will be offered in two variants: the AC-6D with a new Ascent diesel engine and the AC-6T with a Pratt & Whitney turboprop. The aircraft features an eight- to nine-passenger cabin, with the initial turboprop variant priced at $2.25 million.

Source: FLYING Magazine