Ground Tests Now Underway

Embraer tells ANN the Brazilian planemaker is currently performing the ground tests for the Phenom 100 very light jet, in preparation for its first flight. Engineers are making steady progress, according to representatives with the company, as they confirm the design quality of the aircraft and test the functionalities and integration of its systems.

"The Phenom 100 test campaign has begun and steadily advances," said Alexandre Figueiredo, Embraer Senior Manager, Phenom Programs. "The ground tests prepare the aircraft for its first flight and provide results for the certification process, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-2008."

These tests are an integral part of the development program, to make sure the aircraft meets its performance and availability goals. The first test conducted was the engine run, when the Phenom's engines were powered up after being mounted on the aircraft. They had already been thoroughly tested at Pratt & Whitney Canada’s facilities in Canada, and flown on its test-bed aircraft.

The Ground Vibration Test (GVT) is being conducted, with the objective of validating the aero-elastic model of the aircraft. During the test, the aircraft is suspended with elastic cables in order to float as if in flight.

Flight controls will be tested for flexibility, validating the primary control systems. The entire circuit of cables and brackets will be tested with a full surface load on the ailerons, rudder and elevator, confirming attrition and deflection conditions and no jamming.

Systems functionality and integration are the object of the main group of ground tests. All systems are evaluated both individually and jointly, confirming the aircraft’s operational capabilities, from taxiing through the first flight.

The engines are powered up, in order to generate and distribute electricity to all systems. The gyromagnetic compass, Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) will be verified. System failure simulations will be performed to guarantee the safety of the aircraft during its first flight.

Electromagnetic interferences will be applied to the aircraft to ensure accurate systems operation. Finally, the test crew will perform low and high-speed taxi runs to confirm controllability of the steering, braking and emergency systems on the ground.

The first flight of the Phenom 100 will occur in the near future, upon completion of ground tests.

FMI: www.embraer.com