Quest Aircraft Company is pleased to announce that the first KODIAK aircraft equipped with an External Cargo Compartment (ECC) is on display at this year's AirVenture (Booth #263-264). The ECC is available as an option on all new KODIAKs and can also be retrofitted to previously delivered aircraft

"The external cargo compartment is an option that many of our customers are interested in installing on their KODIAK," said Paul Schaller, Quest President and CEO. "We have quite a few orders for ECC retrofits and in-line installations and over time expect about 15% of the KODIAK fleet will be equipped with this option."

The KODIAK's ECC, manufactured by Aerocet, Inc., is the first external compartment certified to the latest flammability and system protection regulations for lightning. Its aerodynamic design allows for a minimum of aircraft performance degradation. It is made from a specially formulated resin to meet flammability and structural requirements and manufactured through a vacuum infusion process. With 65 cubic feet of additional storage space, it can carry an additional 750 pounds of cargo or luggage. Baggage can be loaded directly into the compartment or via pre-loaded storage bins.

"We have completed all flight and structural testing and submitted the reports to the FAA," Schaller added. "We expect to complete testing and receive final operational approval by the end of the 3rd quarter when we will begin the retrofit of existing KODIAKs. We plan to integrate the installation of the ECC into the KODIAK production line during 4th quarter."

The KODIAK's rugged aluminum construction combines superior STOL performance and high useful load. It offers proven turbine reliability with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades and has the ability to land on unimproved surfaces. The KODIAK can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 7,255 lbs and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute. A 3-panel Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite is standard equipment on the KODIAK. Quest also offers Synthetic Vision Technology for the G1000.