The Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology is intensifying its efforts to produce Nigeria’s first locally manufactured light training aircraft.
Dr. Bassey Okon, spokesperson for the Air Force Institute of Technology, stated, “The institute’s aggressive push to inaugurate the aircraft highlights the Nigerian Air Force’s vision to revolutionize the country’s aviation sector.”
Once completed, Okon revealed, “The aircraft will accommodate two passengers, have a maximum take-off mass of 850 kg, and offer a 5-hour operational flight time.”
He added that the aircraft’s production, which began with students’ design contests, artificial intelligence and robotics competitions, and hackathons, is now in its advanced stages. “We are now only awaiting the final stage before testing and potential inauguration.”
“The aircraft is designed with a maximum take-off mass of 850 kg, capacity for two passengers, a maximum payload mass of 40 kg, and a 10-meter wingspan. It will be powered by a Lycoming IO-360 engine, achieving a maximum operational flight time of about 5 hours, a maximum forward speed of 120 knots, and a range of 453 nautical miles.”
“The aircraft is anticipated to reach a maximum operational altitude of 10,000 feet and will incorporate cutting-edge technology, such as graphene material for structural coatings, an integrated vehicle health monitoring system, and advanced avionics,” he noted.
Okon expressed hope that AFIT would continue focusing on transforming Nigeria’s aviation industry “and providing the technical support needed for the Nigerian Air Force operations. We look forward to unveiling Nigeria’s first indigenous aircraft through AFIT’s research efforts. The future is here.”
He also conveyed confidence in the renewed commitment from Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and the Commandant of the Institute, Air Vice Marshal Sani Rabe. “Their dedication has significantly advanced the project, with substantial resources invested to achieve these milestones,” he remarked.