It is financed by UK start-up Arcus Fire, designed by New Zealand firm Flight Structures and built by NZ's Pacific Aerospace.

The $4.2 million F-45 is targeted to replace previous designs like the Bombardier CL-215 or the Grumman S-2AT, a market estimated at 1,000 units over 10 to 15 years.

Initial certification is planned under the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority’s restricted category for a simpler and faster process.

[2][needs update] Resembling an oversized Cessna Caravan, the Short Take-Off and Landing F-45 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-67F.

The passenger model will have a full stand-up cabin seating 19 people, and will cost $4.5 million like the cargo variant.