Up, Up, And Away

Viper Aircraft Corporation announced that their new Viperjet MKII took flight Sunday June 12, 2005. Test Pilot Len Fox was at the controls for the 25 minute flight which began and ended at the Pasco Airport in Washington State.

"We're very, very happy," said Dan Hanchette, Vice President of Viper in an interview with ANN.

Fox reported that the aircraft was very aerodynamically stable. Stick forces at high speed were reported to be a little heavy, so the company is already working that challenge. The aircraft is expected to fly again later this week.

"We're not even using full power, and we've already seen a climb rate over 7,000 feet per minute," said Hanchette.

The Viper MKII is designed for high performance. The company uses known airfoil designs and made many changes and improvements since their Mark I design. Originally designed to use a T-58 engine, the Mark II came about when a possible engine shortage was identified.

The MKII now uses a single J-85/CJ-610 engine that is more powerful, abundant and affordable. Carbon fiber construction gives plenty of strength to the airframe. The systems on the aircraft are built tough. For example, the landing gear system has internal locking actuators that you might otherwise find in business jets. A CO2 backup system can "blow down" the gear if needed.

This aircraft uses avionics from OP Technologies. Hanchette couldn't say enough good things about them. Whenever issues popped up with integrating the avionics with the engine controllers, or other systems, he said, "they were on a plane and here the next day. Those guys are awesome!"

The aircraft is designed to be built and flown as an experimental. The company has sold 18 kits so far, about 60 percent full kits, and 40 percent partial. Their "Super Excel" builder assist program is designed to help customers make major progress on the aircraft. The builder's assist program is designed to complete most of the major airframe components. Pressurization is another option that is available for the aircraft.

Assuming flight testing goes as well as expected, we may very well see the Viperjet at Airventure. Until then, we'll have to be satisfied by watching the video on the website!

FMI: www.viperjet.com