Piper's Altaire single-engine jet made its Oshkosh debut - in mock-up form.

The aircraft - an evolution of the original PiperJet proof-of-concept aircraft - is expected to fly next year, with certification in 2014.

The Florida-based airframer is investing $5.6million on a dedicated assembly line for the Williams FJ44-3AP jet at its Vero Beach facility, in a refurbished building badly damaged by a 2004 hurricane.

Piper will begin constructing the first flight-test aircraft later this year. It will be joined by three additional flying conforming test aircraft.

Source: Flight International

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