ANN had extensive access to the exciting new PiperJet just a few
days ago... inside, outside and in the air! Piper's most aggressive
new airplane program, the FJ44-powered PiperJet is set to make
aviation history as one of the new generation of high-performance
single-engine jets that is setting the aviation world abuzz.
ANN broke the news, worldwide, of the first flight of the
PiperJet during Oshkosh 2008. The new aircraft, the first pure,
jet-powered, turbofan design in the company's 71-year history, made
its first flight at 11:11 AM, July 30th, from Piper
Headquarters in Vero Beach, Fla.
Piper was ebullient over this new development... "Today marks
the beginning of a new era for Piper Aircraft as the company
literally takes flight into a whole new realm of performance,
luxury and capability," said Piper President & CEO James K.
Bass. "With this major milestone in the PiperJet's development, we
are witnessing our future - one that is built on a strong and
lasting heritage and reputation for innovation and excellence."
The PiperJet flew for one hour, reaching a maximum altitude of
10,000 feet and a speed of 160 KTAS as per the flight test plan.
Piper Test Pilots Dave Schwartz and Buddy Sessoms were at the
controls.
The PiperJet incorporates many new design features, and the
first flight was focused on taking an early look at basic handling
characteristics, the effects on pitch trim with power changes, and
basic operation of the engine's FADEC control system.
"The PiperJet exhibited excellent control response around all
three axes," said Schwartz. "The ergonomics and the basic operation
of the side stick control were excellent, with well-balanced and
harmonized control inputs required for the air speeds that we
tested. Moreover, the expected level of pitch trim change with
power applications was minimal and easy to overcome."
The PiperJet is powered by a single Williams FJ44-3AP engine
rated at 3,000 pounds of thrust. In the PiperJet application, the
engine is de-rated to approximately 2,400 pounds of thrust. "The
FADEC control on the Williams engine greatly reduces pilot
workload, allowing greater focus on controlling and navigating the
PiperJet," said Schwartz. "Pushing the single power level full
forward for takeoff results in a smooth but rapid buildup of thrust
and acceleration."
With completion of first flight, the PiperJet began a 50 hour
initial flight test program to expand the envelope and further
investigate the aerodynamic configuration and basic flight
performance -- now successfully completed and logged as PiperJet
works its way past the 60 hour mark. The six passenger PiperJet -
with an option for either a seventh seat or enclosable lavatory -
offers a range of 1,300 nautical miles and a full-fuel payload of
800 lbs.
Built using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing processes,
the PiperJet will feature the latest in integrated glass avionics,
a luxurious interior and advanced manufacturing techniques
pioneered by Piper. Pricing is quoted as $2.199M (in 2006 USD with
a CPI-W escalator).
Deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2011. Piper has selected
Garmin International, Inc. to provide the avionics suite for the
PiperJet. From Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) to FADEC, Piper
states that 'PiperJet's focus is on optimal operational excellence,
user-friendliness, and safety.'
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