Quest, Northrop Grumman ink teaming agreement

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Company, manufacturer of the Kodiak, has signed a teaming agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation to develop the “Air Claw” — a special mission demonstrator — based on the Kodiak airframe.

Under the terms of the agreement, Northrop Grumman will serve as the U.S. federal dealer for the Kodiak as well as its preferred special mission aircraft integrator.

“Quest is very excited to more actively pursue the special mission aircraft market,” said Steve Zinda, Quest’s director of sales and marketing.

“We see a lot of market potential in the government and military sector for the Air Claw, and are confident the aircraft will be well received. We are especially pleased to have teamed with such a proven integrator as Northrop Grumman to develop a special mission Kodiak for market segments such as aerial intelligence, aerial observation, law enforcement, search and rescue, and aero-medical.”

“We believe that once integrated, this platform will be a real game changer for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for state, civil and international agencies as well as for special operations forces,” said Bob Gamache, director, operationally responsive systems, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. “This enterprise between two proven companies committed to technical superiority and cost performance will produce a highly capable platform that is very affordable compared to the competition.”

Kodiaks are in service with charter operators, small businesses, personal owners, skydiving operations, U.S. and international governments, and humanitarian organizations. Several Kodiaks on floats have been delivered, including nine float-equipped Kodiaks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Kodiak has the ability to land and take off from unimproved surfaces and is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades. It can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 7,255 pounds and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute. With 248 cubic feet of cargo volume, there is ample room for equipment or cargo.

Quest Aircraft Company is the manufacturer of the Kodiak, a 10-place single engine turboprop utility airplane, designed for STOL use and float capability. Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, the company was established in 2001 and began deliveries of the KODIAK in December 2007.

Information: www.questaircraft.com