Fairchild Dornier has finalised the basic configuration of its 100-seat contender in the regional airliner market as it works towards a maiden flight of the 928JET in the fourth quarter of 2003.
Meanwhile, the aircraft manufacturer is negotiating the conclusion of a definitive commercial agreement with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) over development of the 428JET, with a deal expected within the next few weeks. The Israeli company has responsibility for fuselage manufacture, final assembly and certification of the 42-44-seater.
The 928JET - a stretched version of the 70-seat 728JET - will use a 12.5% larger wing attached to a strengthened, 4.1m-longer centre fuselage section. Other major changes include the introduction of a stronger landing gear and the installation of uprated CF34-10D engines, providing up to 18,500lb (82kN) of thrust.
Maximum range is extended by around 460km (250nm) compared with the 728JET, to 1,925nm, while maximum take-off weight rises from 35.2t to 47.6t.
"The key to the design of the 928JET is that it is not a simple stretch of the 728JET, but is optimised for economic efficiency at 100 seats," says Fairchild chief operating officer John Wolf.
"We looked at a simple stretch and a significant growth version. We ended up in the middle because we were striving to keep the same comfort level as the 728JET but maintain a significant advantage in terms of economics," he adds.
The 928JET's wing will have to be enlarged if Fairchild decides to go ahead with development of a further stretch known as the 1128JET, according to Wolf. Fairchild, however, has yet to decide whether the second major derivative of the 728JET will be the proposed 50-seat 528JET shrink rather than the 1128JET.
Bavaria Leasing is the launch customer for the 928JET. Entry into service is expected in early 2005.
• Fairchild and Honeywell have formed a working group to plan for the introduction of communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management capabilities on the 328JET and 728JET.
Source: Flight International
