About the Design
Powerplant
The MA-1 design uses the 500 shp RED A03-102 V12, a liquid cooled, turbocharged compression ignition engine that operates on Jet A. The engine uses FADEC with single lever control, and its two six cylinder banks incorporate independent air, fuel, and cooling circuits. The banks are capable of independent operation, providing continued power following certain system failures.
The selected engine is intended to provide the power required for the MA-1 training envelope while using widely available Jet A fuel.
Propeller
The selected MT-Propeller MTV-9 is a three blade, hydraulically controlled constant speed propeller with natural composite blades. Its governor varies blade pitch to maintain the selected propeller speed across changing operating conditions.
Seating Configuration
The tandem cockpit places the student and instructor in line with one another, creating a focused training environment and supporting the development of independent aircraft control, visual references, and situational awareness.
For added safety, the design includes an in-seat parachute system, with optional lightweight ejection seats available for programs that demand an extra margin of protection.
Retractable Gear
The hydraulically actuated landing gear is engineered for reliability and long service life. Its robust design tolerates the high frequency of training operations and the demanding handling of student pilots, ensuring safe and consistent performance with minimal maintenance.
Advanced Avionics
Both front and rear cockpits are equipped with identical Garmin avionics, giving students and instructors equal access to a full IFR-capable flight deck. This mirrored setup streamlines training, allowing instructors to seamlessly demonstrate procedures and monitor student performance in real time. Integrated engine monitoring provides clear, reliable data to support safe operations and reinforce best practices from the earliest stages of training.
