Ground Tests Evaluated Engine Anti-Ice Systems

Adam Aircraft tells ANN that in early December, the planemaker completed a successful series of environmental tests of the A700 very light jet at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

"Overall, the Eglin effort met all testing goals and provided an abundance of data that will help ensure the highest level of performance by the A700 in a variety of adverse weather conditions," said Tom Bisges, Adam Aircraft Sr. Vice President Engineering and Program Management.

During the five day testing exercise, the A700's Williams FJ-33 turbofans were exposed to freezing fog, freezing rain and blowing snow to evaluate the ground performance of the engine inlet anti-ice system under these extremely harsh environmental conditions. The anti-ice tests -- conducted for FAA certification credit -- were completed satisfactorily, according to Adam officials, and will form the initial part of the overall Powerplant Operating Characteristics and Airplane Anti-ice Protection certification effort which will be completed later this year.

The testing also involved exposing the aircraft and all of its systems to temperatures as low as -40F evaluating the effects of cold on the flight controls, avionics, ECS, engine starters and other critical systems.

"The aircraft performed very well during these extreme tests, including successful battery starts of the engines at the -40 degree limit," said Bisges. "These low temperature tests were primarily for company development and the results will be used to formulate improvements to be certified as part of the Hot and Cold Weather certification testing which will also be completed later this year."

Adam says completion of the testing, which involved company personnel, as well as representatives from Williams International and the FAA -- is another positive step towards certification of the A700.

FMI: www.adamaircraft.com, www.eglin.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=6450