31 July 2008
Piper has made the first flight of its PiperJet VLJ (Very Light Jet) from its Vero Beach base. Piper says that the flight (which took off at 11:11am yesterday) lasted an hour, took the aircraft to 10,000ft and – as per the flight test plan – kept the speed to 160ktas.
The pilots reported that the flight tested basic controls and the effect of trim. “The PiperJet exhibited excellent control response around all three axes,” said Piper test pilot Dave Schwartz. “The ergonomics and the basic operation of the side stick control were excellent, with well-balanced and harmonized control inputs required for the air speeds that we tested. Moreover, the expected level of pitch trim change with power applications was minimal and easy to overcome.”
He also reported that the automatic engine handling (FADEC) worked well.
The pilots reported that noise levels in the cabin were even lower than expected – a by-product of the design putting the single Williams FJ44-3AP engine well aft, behind the pressure bulkhead.
The PiperJet is expected to be able to cruise at 360kt with a service ceiling of 35,000ft. One of its distinguising features will be the size of its cabin – it can accomodate six passengers, with the option for a seventh.
