Sine Draco A321-200 SDF inducted for heavy maintenance visit at Ascent Aviation
Sine Draco Aviation Development’s prototype A321-200 SDF has been inducted for a heavy maintenance check at Ascent Aviation Services in Tucson, Arizona.
Following the check, the prototype airplane will be converted into an all-cargo configuration.
The Sine Draco A321-200 SDF’s design includes installation of a 142 inch wide by 86 inch high main deck cargo door and a Class E main deck cargo compartment with fourteen 88 inch by 125 inch container positions. The lower cargo compartments can also accommodate ten containers, with the A321 being the first airplane type in the narrowbody freighter class with this capability.
“The Sine Draco A321-200 SDF programme is progressing exceptionally well. We are nearing 100 per cent drawing release, partners are on contract for all major components and preparations for the airplane modification to the all-cargo configuration are in full swing,” said Sine Draco’s chief executive officer Alex Deriugin.
“Completing the 6Y heavy maintenance check before modification will allow our team to focus on the critical elements of the A321-200 SDF conversion.”
The heavy maintenance check includes inspections and repairs of aircraft structure, systems and avionics and the replacement of the legacy flight management guidance computer with FMS Thales R1A and FG 2G Standard.
During a previous maintenance check in September 2020, an automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS-B) out system and overhauled main and nose landing gear were installed.