Kate Sarsfield/LONDON
Alberta Aerospace has begun securing production slots for its Phoenix FanJet turbofans. Canadian company Alberta completed acquisition of the assets of the single-engined aircraft programme, formerly the Jet Squalus, from the trustees of former owner Promavia around six months ago.
Alberta president, Raymond Johnson, says: "We cannot say how many refundable orders have been placed, but the response to the programme has been phenomenal".
The high-performance Phoenix FanJet will be available in two variants, both powered by the Williams Rolls FJ44 turbofan. First deliveries and certification of the two-seat SigmaJet are set for early 2001. Targeted primarily at training schools, the $1.57 million unpressurised aircraft offers a maximum cruising speed of 311kt (575km/h) and a range of more than 1,320km (715nm).
The four-seat, pressurised MagnaJet, aimed at the owner- flyer, will be available around 12 months later. The $1.87 million aircraft offers a maximum cruise of 345kt and a range of 1,850km.
"If everything goes to plan, the SigmaJet will become the first FAR 23 [Federal Aviation Requirement for general aviation aircraft] single- engined turbofan to enter service," adds Johnson.
He admits Alberta has held back on marketing the FanJet until it was confident of producing and delivering a certifiable aircraft. "Now is the right time to start spreading the word. The certification programme is 85% complete, with the prototype, designed by Stelio Frati, having chalked up more than 700h. We are in the process of certifying the tooling at our assembly plant in Alberta," says Johnson.
The Calgary-based company will outsource subassembly work and recently issued bidding packages to "leading" component manufacturers in North America, Europe and the Far East. "We expect to make our selections by the end of August," Johnson adds.
Alberta expects combined annual production of 24 units next year, rising to 36 and 48 units in subsequent years.
Source: Flight International
