October 1, 2005 Aviation Technology Group’s much-awaited Javelin took to the skies for the first time yesterday in Colorado. Born from the intense desire to offer military performance to the general aviation market, the US$2.795 million two-seat executive jet will be available in 2008 and the military trainer versions will be available prior to that – the successful 35 minute maiden flight indicates all is well with the planned roll-out and with the order books now heading for 100 sales for the new two-seat jet aircraft capable of .925 Mach (1130 kmh), you’d best get your money down quickly if you’re planning on being the first on your block to have one of these babies.
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 35 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 2,800 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.
We have previously written about the Javelin here and here.