Long-time Cirrus supplier TenCate Advanced Composites is teaming with Cirrus co-founder Alan Klapmeier on his Kestrel single-turboprop project. TenCate signed a long-term supply agreement to provide its TC275-1 epoxy prepreg system for the Kestrel K-350 composite single-turboprop aircraft. 

Kestrel called the use of composites key to optimizing the shape of the aircraft, improving its speed and weight. TenCate joins Honeywell and Garmin as key suppliers in the program. Honeywell is providing the TPE331 turboprop engine and Garmin the G3000 avionics suite.

The companies are not disclosing the financial details of the long-term agreement (LTA), including whether it is a risk-sharing partnership.

“This LTA represents the continuation of a long-term successful relationship we have had with the Kestrel management team,” said TenCate President Joe Morris. “We look forward to first flight and certification.”

Kestrel, which has been looking to line up investors to produce the aircraft, has not yet released a timeline for the program. Klapmeier has estimated that the company would need an additional $125 million to bring the aircraft to market.

“We have a group of very talented and dedicated engineers who are working on various elements of the Kestrel 350 both in Superior, Wis., and Brunswick, Maine, but actual construction of the first aircraft on our way to FAA certification has not yet begun,” a Kestrel spokesman said. “That is…partially due to the fact we are continuing to seek further investment.“