AVCON INDUSTRIES IS flight-testing a Learjet 36 business jet fitted with rear-fuselage ventral fins to improve low-speed handling. The Avcon Fins are similar to the delta fins developed by Learjet for the Model 31A and will be offered for retrofit to existing Model 25s, 35s and 36s.
Newton, Kansas-based Avcon says that it originally approached Learjet with the idea of using the delta-fin design developed for the 31A, but ended up developing its own fin design to perform the same function. The fins provide additional lift and stability at low airspeed, and improve controllability during approach and landing, the company says.
The fins are expected to cost $85,000-100,000 per aircraft.
Source: Flight International
