PRODUCTION DESIGN WORK has accelerated on the Swearingen SJ30 light business-jet and ground-breaking for the final assembly plant at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport in Martinsburg will take place in several months, says designer Edward Swearingen.
While details regarding SJ30 production will be disclosed at the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) show in Las Vegas, Nevada, later this month. Swearingen tells Flight International that the project is "moving full speed ahead" now that financing i in place.
Swearingen says that SJ30 subcontractor selection has been made, and the production team may be identified at the NBAA show. Production has been made possible by the formation of a joint venture between San Antonio, Texas-based Swearingen Aircraft and Sino Aerospace Investment, a group of Taiwanese investors which includes Taiwan Aerospace (TAC), the Chinfon Group, President Enterprises, Tonfex and United Microelectronics.
Taiwan is contributing $46-$48 million in its first aerospace investment in the USA. The West Virginia plant will employ 800.
The joint venture, was brokered by Lockheed Martin, as part of its $600 million offset commitment, from the sale of 150 F-16 fighters to Taiwan. Lockheed Martin is providing technical and management assistance and $10 million in cash.
Source: Flight International