PIPERJET FIRES UP!

01 Jul 2008

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THE all-new PiperJet is nearly ready for its maiden flight.

The aircraft's turbofan engine has been started and is being ground-tested in readiness for high-speed taxi runs - and then the first flight.

The engine was started on 19 June – the first time in Piper's 71-year history that the sound of a jet-powered Piper aircraft has been heard.

Piper said, "This first engine run gave a personality to the PiperJet Proof of Concept (POC) airplane with a distinctive sound generated from the Williams FJ44-3A engine mounted high in the vertical tail. The unique look of the PiperJet POC now comes with a unique sound like no other Piper built before.

"The first engine start and following operational tests were flawless. The Williams engine in the PiperJet incorporates a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, resulting in the pilot simply pressing the starter button, monitoring the engine speed as the engine spools up, and then bringing the thrust lever forward to the run position at a predetermined engine speed.

"All other functions are automatically controlled, including the initiation of an automatic engine shutdown sequence if any unforeseen problems occur during the start procedure.

"PiperJet pilots will really enjoy the peace of mind the Williams FJ44-3A engine provides as they start the engine in various conditions of heat, humidity and altitude."

After the initial engine starts and operational checks were completed, another exciting milestone was reached when the PiperJet moved forward under its own power for the first time.

Piper test pilots began their evaluations with low speed taxi tests to verify nosewheel controllability and authority. Nosewheel steering in the PiperJet is accomplished using a direct linkage system through the rudder pedals.

Piper, "This is a very exciting time for Piper's customers and employees. Everyone is witnessing the development of a "clean sheet" Piper design, the first to come along in many years.

"The next major milestone in the Countdown to First Flight is high speed taxi testing. During these tests, test pilots will accelerate to speeds just below liftoff to check for basic runway handling characteristics and elevator control authority. After that, it's on to the excitement of the first flight with performance verifications and handling characteristics testing to follow in an extensive flight test program.

View the video here:
http://www.piper.com/piperjet