Another milestone has been reached for the Javelin jet: permanent installation of the specially modified Williams FJ33-4-15M turbofan engines.
The Williams engines have been modified to include an inverted oil system to allow for aerobatic flight, noted officials with Aviation Technology Group, the Englewood, Colo.-based company behind the jet.
Along with the engines, the vertical and horizontal tails have been permanently installed.
The prototype’s avionics and communications systems were powered up and passed all tests.
All major electrical systems came on line and functioned as designed. The Avidyne flight displays with embedded GPS systems were also tested and work as expected.
Major structural testing on the fuselage, wings, horizontal and vertical tails has also been completed.
The prototype will be used to evaluate performance, handling qualities, and selected system installations. The results of this testing will be assessed and changes made as necessary for incorporation into the FAA-certified production Javelin.
Certification of the jet is expected in 2007.