Raytheon Aircraft completed the first flight of its Premier I light business jet on 22 December from its Beech Field, Kansas, base.
The aircraft flew "-general manoeuvres that tested its flying qualities, engine operations and basic systems at altitudes of up to 14,500ft", says the manufacturer. During its 62min maiden flight, the Premier I reached speeds of 200kt (370km/h).
Delays in getting the aircraft airborne have pushed certification back from the third quarter to the fourth quarter of the year.
When Raytheon rolled out the first Premier I last August, it hoped to begin flying in September and to have all four certification flight-test aircraft operational by the year end. Delays have been caused by parts availability, wiring problems and other issues.
All four aircraft are now expected to be delivered to the flight test programme by the end of the first quarter. Raytheon has clocked up 140 orders for the Premier I and plans initially to produce 50 aircraft a year.
Source: Flight International
