Raytheon Aircraft says a "communication" problem with the US Federal Aviation Administration led to the need to redesign the flight control system on the Premier I business jet.
The redesign late in the development programme will delay certification to the end of June (Flight International, 1-7 February).
Premier I programme manager Duncan Koerbel says the jet was designed to minimise the hazard posed by engine rotor burst, "but we got tangled up [with the FAA] in the definition of 'minimise'."
While the FAA agreed with the system redundancy provided, he says, the certification authority felt there were better locations for the hydraulic system reservoir and the flight-control cable runs to the elevator and rudder.
As a result, Raytheon has relocated the reservoir, which was between the engines, to the forward part of the baggage compartment. The control cables for the rudder, meanwhile, have been re-routed away from those for the elevator. Electric trim provides back-up redundancy for both control surfaces, Koerbel says. Redesigned parts are being made.
Three aircraft are in flight test, but the fourth - for function and reliability tests - will stay on the ground until new parts are fitted.
Source: Flight International
