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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahrens_AR_404

The Ahrens AR 404 was a prototype US civil transport aircraft first flown in 1976, a high-wing monoplane powered by four turboprop engines. In order to facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo, the fuselage was of constant rectangular section along almost its entire length, the main undercarriage was retracted into sponsons on the fuselage sides, and the tail included a loading ramp. As a regional airliner, the AR 404 was designed to carry 30 passengers, or in its cargo configuration, to accommodate four standard D3 freight containers.

Ahrens secured a production deal with the government of Puerto Rico, which agreed to finance the type certification of the aircraft if Ahrens would establish its production facilities there. The first production aircraft was built and flown there in 1979, but no more were constructed after financing was withdrawn.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: two pilots
• Capacity: 30 passengers or 9,400 lb (4,300 kg) of cargo
• Length: 52 ft 9 in (16.1 m)
• Wingspan: 66 ft 0 in (20.1 m)
• Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.6 m)
• Wing area: 422 ft² (39.2 m²)
• Empty weight: 9,500 lb (4,300 kg)
• Gross weight: 17,500 lb (7,900 kg)
• Powerplant: 4 × Allison 250-B17B turboprops, 420 hp (310 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 220 mph (352 km/h)
• Range: 1,400 miles (2,200 km)
• Service ceiling: 18,000 ft (5,500 m)

See also

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Published in July 2009.

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