A SERIES OF FLUTTER tests of the Bombardier Learjet 45 prototype has begun at the company's site in Wichita, Kansas.
Following its fifth flight, the aircraft was fitted with flutter exciters on the wingtips and horizontal stabiliser. The devices, resembling small spade-like surfaces, were first tested on 7 November and will be flown for "several more" sorties, says Learjet.
By mid-November, Learjet had amassed 20h on eight test flights. The maximum altitude achieved is 43,000ft (13,100m) at Mach 0.78 indicated airspeed, or 450kt (830km/h) true airspeed. The aircraft will be certificated for a MMO (maximum Mach number) of M0.81.
Source: Flight International
