Maiden sortie described as ‘flawless’ as prototype is put through paces, with second outing due at end of October
Aviation Technology Group’s Javelin prototype completed its maiden flight on 30 September from Centennial airport in Englewood, Colorado, reaching a maximum speed of 180kt (333km/h) and an altitude of 12,000ft (3,660m) during the 30min sortie.
Piloted by ATG vice-president of operations and chief test pilot Robert Fuschino, the aircraft sustained an initial climb rate of 3,000ft/min (15.2m/s). “The pilot had to throttle back pretty quickly,” says ATG chairman George Bye. “We truly had a flawless first flight. We hit every single test point, and in some cases did quite a bit better than predicted.” To ensure airspeed remained at or below 180kt for the initial flight, the undercarriage and flaps (at 10°) remained down.
While at altitude, Fuschino assessed handling qualities and engine stability, and evaluated approach and landing flight characteristics. Bank angles were limited to 20°, while sideslip and control-surface effectiveness were also tested.
The landing at Centennial was made using a normal visual flight-rules straight-in approach. Fuschino says the Javelin “handled well on all axes and was very predictable and smooth. The full-authority digital controlled engines were exceptionally responsive.”
The developmental prototype Javelin is powered by two Williams International FJ33-4-15 turbofans that have been “tweaked up” slightly to push thrust towards the 1,700lb (7.5kN) level of the -17M engines intended for the conforming prototypes and production versions. Under the agreement with Williams, ATG is required to borescope the initial shipset of engines after first flight and has removed them from the Javelin in preparation for the inspection. The second flight is not therefore expected until around the end of October, says Bye, who adds that ATG is using the time “to take more weight out of it, and add instrumentation for the next series of flights”.
The Javelin prototype incorporates Martin Baker MK16LN ejection seats that enable evaluation of the planned Javelin Mk20 military trainer performance capabilities. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is ATG’s partner in the development and marketing of the military trainer derivatives of the Javelin.
Assembly of the first certification conforming Javelin is due to start in 2006, when the new ATG production site is set up at the nearby Front Range airport. The first conforming aircraft is due to join the test programme at the end of 2006. The certification effort will involve six airframes – four flying aircraft and two ground airframes for static and fatigue tests – not including the developmental prototype.
GUY NORRIS/LOS ANGELES
Source: Flight International
