Poland's Zaklad Remonmtów i Produkcji Sprzetu Lotniczego completed the first flight of its EM-10 Bielik lightweight trainer last month. The tandem two-seat aircraft is aimed at civil and military use.
The Bielik has a composite structure and is powered by a single 4,050lb-thrust (18kN) General Electric J85 turbojet. To keep the structure as light and simple as possible, no provision has been made for hardpoints or weapons carriage.
The aircraft is equipped with an embedded simulation system, while the aerodynamics are intended to allow high angle-of-attack manoeuvring training.
Avionics on the military version will allow the instructor to develop the flightplan and introduce tactical elements into the training profile from the rear cockpit. A civilian version would probably have a simpler avionics suite.
The Bielik has a conventional flight-control system, but fly-by-wire is under consideration. If such a system is introduced, a thrust- vectoring system could be added to the engine.
The EM-10's empty weight is 1,700kg (3,740lb), with a 2,500kg maximum take-off weight. The wingspan is 6.5m (21.3ft), length is 9.3m. Intended maximum speed is Mach 0.9, or 590kt (1,100km/h), with the approach speed under 110kt.
Source: Flight International
