These are exciting, if
busy, times for the folks at ATG.
ATG's George Bye reports that the Javelin first flight is coming
soon... but not before they "make sure we've got everything just
right." Minor issues with a one-off non-conforming nose gear for
the test flight revealed some potential for shimmy, so a new gear,
based on the production version (but not yet fully conforming) is
being prepared to head off potential problems before the flight
tests are performed. The Javelin flight test vehicle has already
blitzed past 100 mph in test runs, but commendable caution is being
employed to make sure that the program, once started, proceeds
without delay or incident. "We're trying to do everything right...
right from the beginning," assures Bye.
But... there is some good news of a more immediate nature.
Aviation Technology Group has announced the sale of a Javelin
Executive Jet to Xjet Club LLC, a private consortium of jet owners
and users. Slated for first deliveries in late-2007, the Javelin is
a highly maneuverable and cost-efficient two-place aircraft that
will be capable of 600 mph high speed cruise.
Xjet signed a firm order for one Javelin and options of three
additional Javelins. The jet will be used as alternate aircraft for
the clubs members, most of whom are private jet owners. The twin
turbofan Javelin will provide Xjet members with the flexibility to
use a smaller, faster aircraft with lower operating expenses when
the opportunity arises. Xjet's non-owner members can opt to use the
Javelin as well.
"The Javelin is an excellent complement to Xjet's high speed
luxury market," said George Bye, Chairman and CEO of Aviation
Technology Group, Inc. "We are very pleased to provide the
Javelin's unique combination of performance and economy to their
growing fleet."
"Xjet is an all new concept in luxury air travel for jet owners
and travelers who are seeking a more luxurious experience and
higher level of service than what is generally associated with
fractional-ownership or flight card programs, and charter
companies." said Josh Stewart, Xjet CEO.
"The Javelin Executive Jets will give our members more choices
and more flexibility, not to mention the fact that they mirror
Xjet's focus on superior service, aircraft and economics."
The Xjet concept was developed to appeal to both owners and
non-owners of private jet aircraft. Aircraft owners can reduce
their costs by choosing to allow non-owner members access to their
jets during downtime. Non-owners will have access to the Javelin
jets, other member's jets at the owners' discretion, or to a fleet
of the latest planes within 10 hours though Xjet's industry
partnerships.
Xjet Club, LLC - based in Centennial, Colorado - is a private
jet club that combines luxury, privacy, legendary service and cost
efficiencies that are above and beyond what executives have come to
expect in the past. The exclusive aviation concept will have three
hangars and a clubhouse with extensive amenities to serve as the
base for Xjet Club members. Xjet's exclusive fuel management
program provides members with significant fuel savings, not only at
its Centennial Airport base, but also at any Fixed Based Operation
(FBO) worldwide.