Two aircraft have been allocated from the Avro RJ assembly line as flight development vehicles for Avro RJX certification testing.
The first of the aircraft, designated RJX-85, is due on the final assembly track next April and will receive the Integrated Powerplant system, including the new AlliedSignal AS977 engine in July.
It is the first regional jet application for the powerplant.
The programme is on schedule for the planned entry into service of July 2001.
Most recently, low-speed wind-tunnel testing was completed.
Tests demonstrated that the high maximum lift coefficient (CLmax) of the Avro RJ is retained by the RJX and, in some areas, the results have been better than predicted.
As well as new engines AlliedSignal is a major risk sharing partner in the programme the aircraft features new nacelles and an air start system rather than an electrical engine start on the existing Avro RJ.
Source: Flight Daily News
