Wed, Jul 27, 2011
Mockup Back On The Summer Circuit
Piper Aircraft has started fabrication and assembly will begin
in August of the first conforming flight test article of the
company’s new single engine Altaire business jet. The
inaugural flight of the conforming PiperJet Altaire is planned for
2012 with certification and deliveries in 2014.
“The Altaire is pioneering the single-engine business jet,
just like the Piper Meridian and other single-engine turboprops
have proven in rigorous worldwide use that the fundamental
efficiencies and safety of centerline thrust aircraft deliver the
greatest value to owners and operators,” said Piper President
and CEO Geoffrey Berger.
“The advantage that Piper has over other manufacturers
with an interest in a single-engine jet is a solid underlying
commitment by Imprimis, the owner of the company, to appropriately
fund the program and see it through to successful
completion,” Berger says. Currently Piper has assigned nearly
200 engineers and production staff to deliver on the promise of an
entry-level business jet with the economics of a turboprop and the
cabin size and capabilities of a much larger business jet.
In addition to starting assembly of the first conforming flight
test article, later this year Piper will begin fabrication and
assembly of a structural test article, which will eventually be
joined by three additional flying conforming test aircraft to
become part of the certification program. Also part of the FAA
certification program will be a bird strike canopy and a fuel
cell/vibration test wing. Construction of all of these articles
will be underway during 2012.
The company is in the midst of a $5.6 million program in
building improvements to ready facilities at its Vero Beach, Fla.
manufacturing and headquarters campus for necessary production,
final assembly, completion and deliveries. Recently it named
Altaire Chief of Production Michael Dow to oversee the
manufacturing of the business jet.
A mockup of the PiperJet Altaire is on display at the Piper EAA
AirVenture 2011 Exhibit. The Wisconsin stop is part of a continuing
North American tour of the Altaire mockup at various aviation
venues and presentations by Piper dealers so that customers and
prospective customers can experience for themselves the spacious
cabin and cockpit.
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