Adam Aircraft has begun flight testing its second prototype A500 all-composite, centreline-thrust piston twin. A third production prototype is scheduled to fly in April, and US certification of the $895,000 aircraft is expected by July, says chief executive Rick Adam.
Englewood, Colorado-based Adam has completed flight testing of the first A500 prototype, which has accumulated 122h since its first flight in July last year. The aircraft will now be used for static testing, Adam says.
The second prototype will be used to test the environmental control system and pressurisation, refine engine cooling and expand the centre of gravity envelope. Take-off and landing and range performance will be measured.
The first two A500s are "company conforming" aircraft, built on production tooling, says Adam. The third prototype will be fully conforming and will be used for FAR 23 certification testing by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Adam has yet to fly the A500 with pressurisation, but plans to pressurise the second aircraft after the initial 50h of flight tests. The fourth, non-flying, airframe will be used for static and pressurisation testing to destruction, beginning in May.
Adam has firm orders, options and dealer commitments for 100 aircraft, with the first customer delivery planned for July. The company plans to be producing three aircraft a month by year-end, and five a month by the end of 2004.
The A500 programme is financed through certification and into production by industrialist Adam and private investors. The company is seeking additional outside investment to fund development of the A700 twinjet derivative of the A500.
"We have completed preliminary design, and we need money to build the tooling," says Adam. He believes the 11-seat A700's performance will be competitive with that of Cessna's Citation Mustang entry-level jet, while offering a larger cabin. Maximum cruise speed is 340kt (630km/h) at 38,000ft and payload at maximum range is 330kg (725lb). Adam hopes to fly the A700 in early 2004.
The company says the A700 will have 80% parts commonality with the A500.
Source: Flight International
