Kate Sarsfield/LONDON
Chichester Miles (CMC) has launched a six seat variant of the Leopard jet, designed around the Williams FJ33-1 turbofan, and is seeking $95 million to fund the programme.
The decision to pursue the twin-engined Leopard Six has essentially been forced on the UK company following Williams' decision last year to tie up an exclusive deal for its lighter FJX-2 turbofan, since renamed the EJ-22, to Eclipse Aviation to power its six-seat, low cost, entry level jet. The NASA-sponsored powerplant is not expected to be available to other customers until at least 2005. CMC admits development of the four-seat Leopard will continue on a piecemeal basis with the second prototype being deployed as a subscale research model.
Ian Chichester Miles, CMC chairman and chief executive admits: "Since Williams withdrew its engine we have spent the best part of the year deciding what our options are. We decided there is as yet no alternative to the [770lb-thrust (3.4kN)] EJ-22 and rather than wait for this or any other engine to become available we should adapt the design to fit the [1,500lb-thrust] Williams FJ33 which could be certificated by next year. A four-seat aircraft will remain part of our programme."
The FJ33 will also power Century Aerospace's CA-100 and Aerostar Aircraft's FJ-100, both scheduled to enter service in late 2003. Subject to investment the Leopard Six is slated for certification in 2004.
The all-composite aircraft will be 25% larger than its Leopard stablemate. Priced at $2.35 million, the Leopard Six will seat four passengers in a cabin measuring 2.5m (8.25ft) in length, 1.2m height and 1.5m width. It will provide a long range cruise speed of 430kt (800km/h), a range with full payload of 3,700km (2,000nm) and a maximum altitude of 51,000ft. The aircraft will incorporate "advanced" Fowler flaps to meet the targeted 2,500ft landing distance.
Source: Flight International
