Austrian general aviation manufacturer Diamond Aircraft has resumed flight testing of its D-Jet microjet following the installation of a data gathering system and modifications to the inlet engine fairings
The aircraft made its first flights in late April, after which it was retired to the hangar for modifications. The aircraft returned to flight on 26 June and conducted a series of tests until 30 June. During the trials, the Williams FJ33-powered 5-seater jet, expanded its test envelope with the speed increased to 280kt (520km/h), from previously flown 170kt and altitude envelope expanded from 12,000ft (3,650m) to the design certification limit of 25,000ft.
"We are very pleased to have expanded the envelope in such a short time. The aircraft is a joy to fly, smooth, very stable and with all systems functioning perfectly," says Diamond chief executive Christian Dries.
Diamond is preparing the flight test aircraft and full fuselage and interior mock-up for display at the manufacturer's private air show DiamondFest on 15-16 July and the US Experimental Aircraft Association's Airventure OshKosh show 2006 one week later.
External link:
Watch the video of the Diamond D-Jet first flight from Diamond Aircraft's website
Source: Flight International
