Completed Static Load Testing Earlier This Month

Representatives with Piper Aircraft tell ANN that June 5 marked a significant milestone in the PiperJet’s progress towards first flight. On that day, all static load testing was successfully completed on the first Proof-Of-Concept (POC) airframe... bringing the Vero Beach planemaker one step closer to the first flight of its single-engine VLJ.

Those static tests consisted of applying loads to the airframe up to its limit load --the highest loads the aircraft will see in service, equivalent to +3.8g and -1.5g. The tests gave the engineering test pilots confidence in the strength and integrity of the airplane, before it leaves the ground for the first time.

Upon completion of the static load testing, the airframe was removed from the test fixture and the landing gear was installed for the first time. It is important to note that the landing gear configuration used on the Proof-Of-Concept aircraft is a conventional oleo design. A trailing link gear is planned to be used on all subsequent aircraft.

The engine was also hoisted into place and installed in the distinctive vertical tail location. This location provides excellent protection from foreign object damage and results in superb engine efficiency due to the fact that air entering the intake is undisturbed and not subjected to airframe interference. Future PiperJet pilots will enjoy high levels of fuel efficiency due to this superior aerodynamic characteristic of the powerplant installation.

As of June 9, the PiperJet's fuselage was basically complete -- with the wings and fuselage mated, the engine mounted in the vertical stab, and the entire empennage assembly in place.

Piper is particularly proud of the three-foot-wide cabin door, and the smooth wing surface using a new rivetless bonding process. The manufacturer is relying on that low-drag airframe to allow the PiperJet to achieve target performance parameters of 360 KTAS, 1,300 NM range and 35,000' operational ceiling.

FMI: www.piper.com