Transavia Corporation
Transavia Airtruk
The Transavia Airtruk, produced by the Australian firm Transavia Corporation from the late 1960s through the early 1980s, is a distinctive agricultural and utility aircraft whose design reflects a blend of practicality and innovation. First flown in 1965 as the Transavia PL-12, the Airtruk was conceived to meet the demanding needs of aerial top‑dressing, livestock mustering, and remote‑area transport in the expansive outback. Its most recognizable feature is the unconventional twin‑boom, high‑wing configuration with a central pod that houses the pilot and cargo, paired with a powerful radial or turboprop engine mounted at the nose. This layout provides excellent forward visibility, short‑takeoff and landing capability on unprepared strips, and a robust payload capacity of up to 1,500 kg. The Airtruk’s resilient undercarriage and simple, rugged construction made it a favorite among bush pilots and agricultural operators, who valued its reliability in harsh conditions. Though production ceased in the early 1980s, the Airtruk remains an iconic example of Australian ingenuity, influencing later utility designs and preserving a legacy of versatile, low‑cost aviation solutions for remote and rural environments.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 6.35 metre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1965