Javelin Prototype Flies to Next Level
MicroLightJets.com News
Englewood, Colorado-July 18, 2006—— Aviation Technology Group, Inc. reported that the Javelin prototype
successfully completed two more flight tests in July, expanding its flight
test envelope to higher speeds and altitudes.
During the most recent flights, the Javelin’s flaps were extended and
retracted between full-up and 20 degrees. Test pilot Kirk Kalstad retracted
the landing gear immediately after takeoff and pushed the Javelin to 335
knots true airspeed (385 mph) at 15,000 feet. Later he climbed to 20,000
feet and accelerated to 0.5 Mach. Bank angles were tested up to 45 degrees.
Testing included an assessment of the handling qualities of the aircraft,
which involved longitudinal, lateral and directional stability, as well as
trim effectiveness. Tests also evaluated engine characteristics and
performance, and verified airspeed and altitude indicators.
"Kirk reported that the aircraft handled well throughout all test points,"
said Rob Fuschino, VP of Operations and chase plane pilot. "An initial data
review shows no anomalies from predicted results."
Prior to recent test flights, the Javelin prototype underwent a series of
modifications to improve the secondary flight control systems and updates to
the airborne instrumentation data acquisition system (DAS) along with
associated transducers. Revisions made to the DAS included improvements to
the cockpit audio and video capture, as well as the addition of extra-force
measurements to flight control systems. Also, several high-sensitivity
transducers were added to the Pitot-static system, which improves data for
aerodynamicists.
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