The first flight of the single-engined PiperJet took place yesterday morning at the company’s Vero Beach facility in Florida
An excited Bob Kromer, Piper’s sales VP, was addressing a press conference at the time and said the long-anticipated first flight “is happening as I speak”. The wheels of the PiperJet – the first turbofan-powered design in the company’s 71-years history - left the ground at 11.11 EST.
“PiperJet is our future,” he said, “and we are dedicating this maiden flight to our worldwide dealer network that has stuck with us through thick and thin. This is a really big day for Piper – one that we’ve waited 71 years for.
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The new aircraft flew for one hour with test pilots Dave Schwartz and Buddy Sessoms at the controls, reaching a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet and a speed of 160 KTAS.
The first flight focused on taking an early look at basic handling characteristics, the effects power changes had on pitch trim, and basic operation of the engine’s FADEC.
“The PiperJet exhibited excellent control response around all three axes,” said Schwartz. “The ergonomics and the basic operation of the side stick control were excellent, with well-balanced and harmonized control inputs required for all the air speeds that we tested. Moreover, the expected level of pitch trim change with power applications was minimal and easily overcome.”
It is powered by a single Williams FJ44-3AP engine rated at 3,000lbs although in this aircraft it is de-rated to approximately 2,400lbs.
“The FADEC control on the Williams engine greatly reduces pilot workload, allowing greater focus on controlling and navigating,” said Schwartz. “Pushing the single power level full forward for take-off results in a smooth but rapid build-up of thrust and acceleration.”
With completion of first flight, the aircraft begins a 50-hour initial flight test program to expand the envelope and further investigate the aerodynamic configuration and basic flight performance. Piper test pilots expect to retract the landing gear on the next flight, after which they will make several more flights to expand the high-speed envelope, eventually reaching 360 KTAS.
The PiperJet will be certified in the normal category under FAA Part 23 and applicable foreign certification standards and it’s designed to be flown by a single pilot and will be RVSM Certified. Moreover, its innovative design includes ample baggage space and class-setting useful load.”
Source: Flight International
