Wasatch Aero Updates SD3 and SD3T Delivery Targets to 2027, Unveils Twin-Engine Training Aircraft Plans

Utah, USA – US aircraft manufacturer Wasatch Aero has published a three-phase aircraft development roadmap outlining revised delivery schedules for its SD3 and SD3T training aircraft, plans for a four-seat twin-engine turbine trainer and a longer-term urban air mobility program. The updated roadmap extends the company's proposed flight training aircraft portfolio from single-engine piston and turbine models to multi-engine instruction.

• Wasatch Aero now anticipates initial deliveries of its piston-powered SD3 in the middle of the second quarter of 2027, followed by the turbine-powered SD3T in the fourth quarter of 2027. Prototype flights for both models are targeted for late 2026, with reservations currently open.
• The second phase of Wasatch Aero's development roadmap introduces a four-seat, twin-engine turbine aircraft intended for advanced multi-engine training and personal aviation. The proposed aircraft will use two TurboTech engines of the same type planned for the SD3T, allowing flight schools to operate single-engine and multi-engine trainers with common propulsion technology, maintenance requirements and training procedures. The aircraft remains in the design phase, with no delivery date announced.
• Wasatch Aero also outlined a third development phase focused on urban air mobility, including an electric aircraft using bladeless propulsion and autonomous flight systems intended for existing aircraft platforms. The company describes these projects as long-term concepts rather than aircraft currently available for purchase.
• Alongside its aircraft development activities, Wasatch Aero is establishing two manufacturer-led training programs. PEAKS (Pilot Experience Aircraft Knowledge Standardization) will provide aircraft-specific owner instruction, while SUMMIT (SD Unified Mastery Manufacturer Instructor Training) is intended to standardise instruction through authorised training centres and flight instructors.
• The SD3 is designed around a carbon-fibre airframe, Rotax 912 piston engine and standard full-airframe BRS parachute system, with a published cruise speed of 145 knots, maximum range of 1,000 nautical miles and fuel consumption of 3.9 US gallons per hour. The SD3T is planned with a 148-horsepower FADEC-controlled turboprop, a cruise speed of 160 knots and fuel consumption of 6–7 US gallons per hour. The proposed twin-engine aircraft targets a 200-knot cruise speed, 23,000-foot service ceiling and combined fuel consumption of 12–14 US gallons per hour.

About Wasatch Aero
Wasatch Aero is a Utah-based aircraft developer operating along the Wasatch Front, focused on designing light sport aircraft for flight training and personal aviation. Its current development portfolio comprises the SD3 piston-powered trainer and SD3T turboprop variant, both designed with the FAA's Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) framework in mind.

Source: Wasatch Aero