Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH
GERMAN COMPOSITE-aircraft manufacturer Burkhart Grob is expecting a decision to be taken this month on further Government funding for the Strato 2C high-altitude research aircraft, which has overshot budget estimates.
The company says that the programme requires DM30 million ($19.5 million) extra cash from its Government sponsor - the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology - to fund avionics and testing, which have proved to be more expensive than expected for full certification.
Development costs were initially estimated at DM93 million, with DM72 million coming from the ministry and the rest from the manufacturer. Grob's demand for extra cash came in June, but, in the run-up to Germany's October elections, Government coffers slammed shut.
Funding has since been supplied entirely by Grob itself. Now, however, with a new research- and-technology minister settled in, the remaining DM10 million of the funds promised originally is expected to be paid by the end of this month. Further cash may follow.
Project engineers say that the Strato 2C is in final assembly and will be flown "early this year". The maiden flight was originally scheduled for the third quarter of 1994, but has been delayed by additional testing and discussions over certification with German airworthiness authorities.
The all-composite airframe, with its 56.5m wingspan, has been completed and the innovative propulsion system is in a further round of simulated high- altitude tests near Paris, successful low-altitude tests having been completed.
The aircraft will be powered by two Teledyne TSIOL-550 piston engines rated at 300kW (400hp), each linked to a gas generator and turbocharger which supply sea-level-pressure air to the engine, even when operating at high altitude.
The airframe has been tested to its static proof-load and vibration testing was completed in December. Hydraulic and electrical systems are being installed in anticipation of the start of flight testing.
The aircraft is designed to be operated for up to 50h at altitudes between 52,500ft (16,000m) and 82,500ft, with a crew of two pilots and two scientists. The operator will be the German Aerospace Research Establishment.
Source: Flight International
