Piper Aircraft conducted a global PiperJet Altaire Supplier Symposium last week as the company moves forward on certification of the single-engine business jet program that calls for first flights of conforming test articles in 2012.
Certification and first deliveries will occur in 2014, according to company officials. Aerospace suppliers represented at the June 16 sessions event include Castle Metals, Garmin International, Kollsman, L-3 Communications, Millennium Concepts, PCI – Goodrich Cabin Systems, PPG Aerospace, Triumph Aerospace, and Williams International.
“As the company is building up to first flight of the conforming PiperJet Altaire test articles next year, this is a good time to get the supplier base together as we will soon be marking important program milestones,” said Piper Vice President Engineering Michael Hinderberger. “Briefings and breakout sessions will give our supplier partners valuable program highlights that will assist them in meeting their commitments to this on-schedule program.”
The supplier symposium covered design and production reviews, Garmin avionics and Williams engine information along with a marketing overview. In addition to Hinderberger, Piper senior leadership including President/CEO Geoffrey Berger, and Executive Vice President Randy Groom, VP Operations Simon Caldecott, and Chief Engineer Simon Atwell participated in the symposium.
Piper Altaire maximum range is targeted at 1,300 nautical miles with a maximum cruise speed planned at 360 knots. The airplane is planned to fly 1,200 nautical miles with a payload of 800 pounds. Price point for the Piper Altaire is $2.5 million, with a typically equipped aircraft priced at $2.6 million.
For more information: Piper.com
