Wed, Oct 24, 2012
Intelligence, Surveillance And Reconnaissance Aircraft Cleared To Enter FAA Certification Program
Boeing completed the first flight of the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMARSS) Risk Reduction Prototype (ERRP) aircraft on Saturday, Oct. 6, a critical step required to support a comprehensive FAA flight test program.
The aircraft, a Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350ER, has been modified to replicate the design of the EMARSS aircraft's external fuselage. The Boeing team conducted return-to-flight maintenance checks during the 70-minute flight over Middletown, DE.
"First flight is a huge accomplishment, and I’m particularly grateful to Summit Aviation for their hard work in modifying the aircraft," said Randy Price, EMARSS program manager for Boeing. "As we analyze what we learned, we’ll continue lowering risk and improving performance, which ultimately will benefit U.S. Army warfighters who will use EMARSS' near real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities."
The FAA flight test program will validate the modified King Air prototype's flight and handling qualities. Following the FAA flight tests, the program will apply for FAA Supplemental Type Certification.
"That FAA certification supports the airworthiness release to be issued by the Army Engineering Directorate for EMARSS," Price said. "We can focus subsequent testing of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) aircraft on the mission systems capabilities and operational aspects and qualification of the platform."
(EMARRS Artist's depiction provided by the U.S. Army)
More News
“Warbirds in Review features veterans, aviation legends, and aircraft that simply cannot be seen together in one place anywhere else in the world. Many of these veterans main>[...]
Also: VAI v Anti-Heli Actions, Electric Aircraft Symposium, 2024 FAA Drone/AAM Symposium, Gravitymaster Blue Origin's seventh passenger flight ended with a smidgeon of drama when o>[...]
“The importance of this YF-16 paint scheme is celebrating 50 years of the F-16 Viper. Everyone at Edwards has a big sense of pride for not only supporting the Viper Demo Team>[...]
Aero Linx: National Aeronca Association We are dedicated to supporting the design and preserving the history of Aeronca aircraft. Founded by Jim Thompson and fostered by his leader>[...]
Klyde Sounds Like He's Defining An 'Influencer' FMI: www.klydemorris.com>[...]