Javelin comes to land at Englewood

3000 feet per minute climb, 180kt and 12,000ft reached in maiden 30-minute flight.

The Javelin jet prototype had its first flight on 30 September. The two-seat jet fighter lookalike is being built for civilian and military use and has been under development for five years.

The Javelin took off from Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado at 0750 local time. Robert Fuschino, chief test pilot for Aviation Technology Group which is building the jet, flew the aircraft for 30 minutes. “It was a beautiful flight. The Javelin accomplished each of its test points without any difficulties,” said Fuschino afterwards. “The Javelin handled well on all axis and was very predictable and smooth. The FADEC controlled engines were exceptionally responsive.” Powered by two Williams turbofan engines, the prototype took off with an initial climb rate of 3000 feet per minute. During the flight, the landing gear remained down and the flaps were deployed at ten degrees. In flight, maximum airspeed was 180 knots and the aircraft reached an altitude of 12,000 feet. While at altitude, Fuschino accomplished successful testing of handling qualities, engine stability, along with evaluation of approach and landing flight characteristics. Bank angles were limited to 20 degrees.

The final landing at Centennial airport was conducted using normal visual flight rule straight-in type approach. “ATG has achieved a great milestone today,” said George Bye, Chairman of ATG and the man who had the I inspiration for the aircraft. “The Javelin prototype’s first flight marks the beginning of more expansive airborne tests. We will now begin the process of correlating the Javelin prototype’s performance against predicted engineering values. We look forward to future flights that are as successful as today’s as we present the market with a truly remarkable aircraft.” The Javelin is being sold as an executive jet, the MK-10, with a price tag of $2.9 million, and also as a full-equipped military trainer, the MK-20, for $5.5 million.

First customer aircraft are expected in 2008 following FAA certification. The UK agent, Air Touring Services of Biggin Hill, has taken several orders for the MK-10.

Web: www.avtechgroup.com

JAVELIN FACTS