B/CA Show News - NBAA 2007 Day 1 - (Page 54) NEW AIRCRAFT N BA A 2007 continued from page 52 Very Light and Light Jets Few surprises in this market sector during the past 12 months, save that the Eviation Vantage seems to be still awaiting the funding injection needed to progress it to the next stage. Adam has jumped through the hoops required by its financial backers, but Sino Swearingen shows signs—always bad—of becoming a political football. Spectrum will have the chance to outline its plans in more detail this week, while the other players would appear to have a clear run to market. Cessna Citation CJ4 Adam A700 Establishing a trend for parallel production of prop and turbofan-powered versions of the same basic design, Adam flew the A700 in July 2003, at which time only two prototypes of its A500 had been completed. Commonality of carbon fiber airframe 500 jets and Beechcraft C90, Piper Meridian and TBM850 turboprops. Verdict: Getting there Cessna Citation CJ4 Introduced to the public at last year’s convention in Orlando, the CJ4 shares many of the features of the smaller CJs, such as Collins ProLine 21 avionics. Cessna confusingly describes it as a new design (although it still has a “525” designation) but also as having Encore+ cockpit and cabin; the Mustang’s wide door; new, but Sovereign-style wing; and the CJ3’s external access baggage capacity. Seating eight people, plus an optional ninth, in its 4-foot-9-inch-high cabin, the CJ4 has a large forward door, private lavatory and large baggage compartment. Collins was recently signed to provide the digital cabin management system with 26°C) Williams FJ44-4A engines and with Collins ProLine 21 avionics, it will be certified for operations up to 45,000 feet. Payload with full fuel is 1,000 pounds; NBAA range 1,825 nmi; and cruising speed 435 kts at 35,000 feet; time to 43,000 feet is 28 minutes. There’s 1,000 pounds available when tanks are full, increasing to 2,100 pounds with range trade-off. Maiden flight is scheduled for 2Q2008; certification late 2009; and entry into service in 2Q2010. Verdict: Very likely Embraer Phenom 100 In May 2005, Embraer launched a two-pronged assault on a predicted world market for 3,000 light jets and entry-level very light jets over the next 10 years, and it committed itself to spend $235 million on developing a pair of related designs, both optimised for shorter airfields—in this case, needing 3,400 ft to take off. For optimum customer appeal, the Brazilian company has engaged BMW Group DesignworksUSA to configure the interiors, including “flight deck seamlessly integrated with the cabin” and “serene” furnishings, to attract the owner-operator. Some 400 of the 100/300 family have been sold. Adam A700 between the two involves wings, tailbooms, tailplane, fins, cockpit and landing gear, although the A700’s mainplanes are strengthened by a thicker spar. A second A700 flew in February 2006, using a set of A500 production parts, new centerrear fuselage and a pair of shoulder-mounted Williams FJ33-4A engines, each rated at 1,200 pounds. No. 3 joined them on April 9 this year, its conforming airframe speeding certification trials beyond the 989 hours flown up to that time. Three more jets will contribute to the certification program, culminating in initial deliveries “in 2008” by No. 6 doubling as the last test/first customer aircraft. In June, Adam secured $105 million of follow-on funding to accelerate production of the A500 and complete A700 certification. Orders total at least 370, not including some 60 for the A500. Accommodation is provided for two pilots, four passengers and either a lavatory or a further two people. The A700 comes with Avidyne Entegra three-screen cockpit and appropriate trimmings at a cost of $2.25 million. Cruising speed is 340 kts, while range is 1,450 nmi plus 30 minutes, VFR, and ceiling is 41,000 feet. Adam sees its competitors as the Cessna CJ1/Mustang and Eclipse 54 Embraer Phenom 100 audio, video and integrated Airshow moving map. Well over 100 customers have signed up for the $8 million, seven/eight-seater. Powered by two 3,400-pounds-thrust (flat-rated The straight-wing Phenom 100 prototype flew on July 26 and is due for certification and first deliveries in mid-2008. The $2.98 million airplane continued on page 56 September 25, 2007 www.aviationweek.com/shownews http://www.aviationweek.com/shownews
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