Piper has cut metal on the first conforming prototype for the PiperJet as the six-seat very light jet remains on track to enter service in 2013.
Piper executive vice-president Randy Groom says "PiperJet is a go programme", with 100 engineers assigned to the development effort. Piper, which has been flying a proof of concept jet since 2008, at Sun 'n Fun in April announced it had completed a preliminary design review and was preparing to begin production on five conforming aircraft. Last month it selected Italy's Mecaer Aviation to supply the undercarriage system for the six-seat aircraft.
Groom declined to provide another full update on the programme at AirVenture 2010, but says "we'll have a pretty significant announcement regarding PiperJet at NBAA". He says Piper still aims to fly the first conforming aircraft next year and "we're cutting metal today that will go on the conforming prototype".
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Meanwhile, Groom reported that demand for Piper's existing piston and turboprop line has increased over the last year and "our sales are going to be 75% higher than last year" on a volume basis. He says when including the PiperSport light sport aircraft, which Piper introduced earlier this year and is being produced in the Czech Republic under a licensing agreement with Czech Sport Aircraft, sales will be "about 100% higher".
Groom says the Piper has secured 38 orders for the PiperSport with 16 aircraft delivered since its April sales launch. "That's a pretty quick spool-up," he says.
Source: Flight International
