Raisbeck Engineering has completed the aerodynamic flight tests required under FAA TIA (Type Inspection Authorization), necessary to achieve it’s upcoming ZR Technology STC. RVSM qualification testing was also completed.

The FAA flight tests were conducted during the last Quarter of 2003 and completed December 4th. The flights were conducted on S/N 35-634, the same Learjet 35 which was flown over 300 hours in development flight-testing, to define the various elements of the ZR Technology package. The airplane was configured with ZR production and pre-production assemblies to define the aerodynamic configuration necessary for FAA Certification testing.

The test aircraft has been returned to baseline configuration pending completion of the first production ZR Technology kit, scheduled for installation in late spring. Final FAA Phase III Certification flying will follow immediately, including high altitude buffet boundary definition, wing anti-ice certification, etc.

First production deliveries are scheduled by next summer.

The development and FAA certification flight testing was orchestrated by Raisbeck Engineering’s Aerodynamist Nate Lachendro, who was on board for the majority of the development and certification flight testing.

Lachendro was joined by veteran Raisbeck Chief Test Pilot Pete Reynolds and the Raisbeck flight test crew in flights involving hundreds of hours of drag points and thousands of stalls.

In acclaiming both the low-speed and high-speed characteristics of the ZR package, Lachendro commented; “We wanted to come up with a system that would be the final word in increased performance for the Learjet 35/36 family”.

"We believe we are there, with an honest 10% reduction in high cruise speed drag. Other allied ZR Technology benefits include reductions in climb-time, better long-range cruise, reduced takeoff speeds and required runway, and block fuel consumption. Initial cruise altitudes, and range are also better”.

FMI: www.Raisbeck.com