Reach Aviation designs and manufactures a utility aircraft aimed at demanding general‑aviation operations, emphasizing reliability, ease of maintenance, and field‑driven performance. Their Skunkworks‑style approach colocates engineers, machinists, composites technicians, and mechanics, allowing real‑time problem solving and rapid design iteration.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Operators in remote and austere environments need utility aircraft that can operate from short, rough strips, withstand variable climates, and remain serviceable with limited infrastructure. Conventional utility planes often rely on aluminum structures and complex maintenance procedures, leading to high downtime and operating costs.
Solution
Reach Aviation is developing the AC‑6, a purpose‑built utility aircraft designed for demanding general‑aviation missions. The aircraft combines a high‑rigidity steel tube frame with removable composite panels to simplify inspection, repair, and part replacement in the field. Its design emphasizes ease of maintenance, with features such as a quickly removable windshield and optimized system routing that reduce service time. Powered by a high‑efficiency 12‑cylinder diesel engine delivering 600–650 hp, the AC‑6 offers lower fuel consumption, long range, and strong performance on short, unimproved runways. The aircraft’s flexible cabin layout, large cargo doors, and adaptable interior allow rapid reconfiguration for passenger, cargo, medevac, or parachute operations, maximizing utilization across mission profiles.
Target Audience
Primary customers are mission‑oriented operators such as remote‑area air services, humanitarian and medical evacuation providers, and organizations conducting aviation‑supported outreach in austere locations.
Features
- High‑rigidity steel tube airframe with FAA‑standard repairability, eliminating the need for specialized tooling
- Removable composite skin panels providing rapid access to critical systems and structures
- Quick‑change, non‑load‑bearing windshield that can be replaced in 8–15 minutes
- Dual 42‑inch cargo doors and 8 ft of usable cabin space for fast reconfiguration between cargo, passenger, medevac, and utility roles
- Optimized system routing and maintenance clearances for reduced inspection and repair times
- 230 gal fuel capacity, high‑lift wing with double‑slotted flaps (48°) delivering 170 kt cruise and 56 kt stall speeds for short‑field performance
- Partnership with Ascent Engine Technologies to integrate a 12‑cylinder diesel powerplant offering 40 % lower fuel burn and full in‑airframe rebuild capability