Eviation aims to boost aircraft's performance and efficiency with FJ44-1APs
Eviation Jets is replacing the 1,500lb-thrust (6.6kN) Williams International FJ33 turbofans, selected last year to power the twin-engined revamp of the Vantage light business jet, with more powerful FJ44-1APs. The US developer is seeking to boost the performance and customer appeal of the eight-passenger aircraft.
"Our aim," says Eviation Jets founder and chief executive Matt Eller, "is to produce an aircraft with a 41,000ft [12,500m] service ceiling, 815kg [1,800lb] payload with full fuel, a range of 2,400km [1,300nm] and a 740km/h [400kt] cruise." The FJ44-1AP, which is flying on the Cessna CJ1+, will provide up to 1,980lb of take-off thrust and will boost the Vantage's performance and efficiency significantly. "We are also redesigning the cabin to accommodate a bathroom," Eller says.
Eviation is eyeing avionics suppliers, with the Garmin G1000 integrated glass cockpit said to be the leading contender. Research, development and flight testing is being conducted in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, to keep overheads down, and aircraft manufacture and assembly is also expected to be done in the country.
Eviation will submit at the end of the month a formal application for the Brazilian civil aviation authority to participate in the certification programme, which is expected to run in parallel with US Federal Aviation Administation certification testing, Eller says. First flight of the $2.5 million FJ44-1AP-powered Vantage is scheduled for February 2006 leading to certification at the end of next year.
KATE SARSFIELD/LONDON
Source: Flight International
