Adam Aircraft Industries has begun flight testing the A700 light business jet as it strives to be first to market in the emerging entry-level sector. The all-composite twin-boom aircraft made its first flight on 27 July. Certification and first deliveries of the $2 million twinjet are scheduled for late 2004, more than a year ahead of rival light jets. The A700 is derived from the A500 centreline-thrust piston twin, which is set for certification this year. The aircraft is powered by two 1,200lb-thrust (5.34kN) Williams International FJ33 turbofans mounted above the rear fuselage. The airframe is stretched about 750mm (30in) and the cabin, seating six or eight passengers, has a full-width aft lavatory. Englewood, Colorado-based Adam says the A700 will have a maximum speed of 340kt (630km/h), ceiling of 41,000ft (12,500m) and a full-fuel rage of 2,780km (1,500nm). The aircraft is equipped with the same Avidyne Entegra integrated flightdeck as the A500, with three large-format liquid-crystal displays.
Source: Flight International
