Ground Tests Now Underway
Embraer tells ANN the
Brazilian planemaker is currently performing the ground tests for
the Phenom 100 very light jet, in preparation for its first flight.
Engineers are making steady progress, according to representatives
with the company, as they confirm the design quality of the
aircraft and test the functionalities and integration of its
systems.
"The Phenom 100 test campaign has begun and steadily advances,"
said Alexandre Figueiredo, Embraer Senior Manager, Phenom Programs.
"The ground tests prepare the aircraft for its first flight and
provide results for the certification process, which is scheduled
to be completed in mid-2008."
These tests are an integral part of the development program, to
make sure the aircraft meets its performance and availability
goals. The first test conducted was the engine run, when the
Phenom's engines were powered up after being mounted on the
aircraft. They had already been thoroughly tested at Pratt &
Whitney Canada’s facilities in Canada, and flown on its
test-bed aircraft.
The Ground Vibration Test (GVT) is being conducted, with the
objective of validating the aero-elastic model of the aircraft.
During the test, the aircraft is suspended with elastic cables in
order to float as if in flight.
Flight controls will be tested for flexibility, validating the
primary control systems. The entire circuit of cables and brackets
will be tested with a full surface load on the ailerons, rudder and
elevator, confirming attrition and deflection conditions and no
jamming.
Systems functionality
and integration are the object of the main group of ground tests.
All systems are evaluated both individually and jointly, confirming
the aircraft’s operational capabilities, from taxiing through
the first flight.
The engines are powered up, in order to generate and distribute
electricity to all systems. The gyromagnetic compass, Global
Positioning System (GPS) and the Attitude and Heading Reference
Systems (AHRS) will be verified. System failure simulations will be
performed to guarantee the safety of the aircraft during its first
flight.
Electromagnetic interferences will be applied to the aircraft to
ensure accurate systems operation. Finally, the test crew will
perform low and high-speed taxi runs to confirm controllability of
the steering, braking and emergency systems on the ground.
The first flight of the Phenom 100 will occur in the near
future, upon completion of ground tests.