Polish engineering company Metal Master began taxi tests of its second Flaris LAR-1 prototype (MSN2) on 20 February, and is now preparing the ultra-light personal jet for its maiden flight.
During the 2h evaluation at Bydgoszcz airport in northern Poland, Metal Master tested MSN2’s Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610 turbofan, brakes and landing gear during the acceleration and deceleration phases of taxiing. The aircraft reached speeds of 55kt (100km/h).
Although the PW610 turbofan is being used during the initial flight test phase, the company has yet to disclose its final choice of engine for the €1.5 million ($1.9 million) aircraft.
Metal Master plans to validate the five-seat LAR-1 initially under the Polish civil aviation authority’s S-1 experimental aircraft designation. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2016.
A certificated version, approved to European CS-23 standards, is expected to follow in 2018.
The five-seat LAR-1 features semi-elliptical, detachable wings – allowing the aircraft to be parked in a spacious garage – and a safety parachute system in the nose.
The carbonfibre type is projected to have a maximum take-off weight of 1,500kg (3,300lb), a cruise speed of 380kt and a range of 1,730nm (3,200km).
Source: Flight International
