MIELEC, Poland, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The M28 maritime patrol and transport built by Sikorsky Aircraft's Polish subsidiary has received new certifications for flying in known icing conditions.
The certifications were issued recently by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration following flight testing of the aircraft in the United States last year and in Poland this year.
"The M28 already offers best-in-class short takeoff and landing capabilities, providing our worldwide customers easier access to rugged locations," said Janusz Zakrecki, president and general director of PZL Mielec. "The addition of the icing certification further extends the possibilities of how and where the aircraft can operate."
The M28 is based on the Antonov An-28. It has a maximum speed of 220 miles per hour, a range of 932 miles and a flight endurance time of about six hours. It comes in a number of variants and is used by the militaries of six countries.
The aircraft's icing system icing system determines the temperature and moisture content of the surrounding environment and applies heat to the propeller, wing struts and critical aerodynamic surfaces to remove ice buildup.
