Prototype Makes First Flight
An ebullient George Bye
has confirmed to ANN that Aviation Technology Group's Javelin
prototype has successfully completed its maiden flight at the
Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado just a few hours ago.
At 7:50 AM Mountain Standard Time, Vice President of Operations
and Chief Test Pilot, Robert Fuschino took-off from runway 17L at
Centennial Airport and flew the prototype for 30 minutes. The first
flight was preceded by years of intensive design efforts, wind
tunnel tests and state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamic
analysis.
“ATG has achieved a great milestone today,” said
George Bye, Chairman of ATG.
“The Javelin prototype’s first flight marks the
beginning of more expansive airborne tests. We will now begin the
process of correlating the Javelin prototype’s performance
against predicted engineering values. We look forward to future
flights that are as successful as today’s as we present the
market with a truly remarkable aircraft.”
Powered by two Williams International turbofan engines, the
prototype took off with an initial climb rate of 3000 feet per
minute. During the flight, the landing gear remained down and the
flaps were deployed at ten degrees. In flight, maximum airspeed was
180 knots and the aircraft reached an altitude of 12,000 feet.
While at altitude, Fuschino accomplished successful testing of
handling qualities, engine stability, along with evaluation of
approach and landing flight characteristics. Bank angles were
limited to 20 degrees. The final landing at Centennial airport was
conducted using a normal visual flight rule straight-in type
approach.
“It was a beautiful flight; the Javelin accomplished each
of its test points without any difficulties,” said Rob
Fuschino, VP of Operations and Chief Test Pilot. “The Javelin
handled well on all axis and was very predictable and smooth. The
FADEC controlled engines were exceptionally responsive.”
"The assembly and ground testing of the Javelin prototype has
been a tremendous effort and I am very proud of the team. This
accomplishment is a major milestone for the program," said ATG
President, Charlie Johnson.
Unlike many civil programs, the Javelin prototype incorporates
military ejection seats. This configuration will allow for
evaluation of the Javelin Mk-20 military performance capabilities.
Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd. (IAI) is ATG’s partner in
the development and marketing of the military trainer derivatives
of the Javelin.
“We are extremely pleased by the successful first flight
of the Javelin”, says Moshe Keret, President and CEO of
Israel Aircraft Industries. “This event confirms IAI’s
confidence in the program. We see the Javelin Military Trainer as a
new and innovative product that is optimally suited for a variety
of advanced military training and support requirements.”
Avi Maor, International Marketing Manager for IAI’s Lahav
Division comments, "The 5th generation Javelin military trainer
provides the answer to the modern requirements for fighter pilots -
a combination of high performance necessary to train appropriate
flying skills, and advanced avionic systems to teach the cognitive
skills required for modern fighter systems and information
management.”
The Javelin prototype will be used to evaluate aircraft
performance, handling qualities, and selected system installations.
The results of this testing will be assessed and changes made as
necessary for incorporation into the FAA-certified production and
military trainer versions of the aircraft.