Raytheon Premier I Enters Flight Tests

The Premier I, an entry dubbed the first of a new generation of business jets by its manufacturer Raytheon Aircraft, is entering the flight-test phase of its certification program this month at the company's manufacturing campus in Wichita.

The first production model of the new, entry-level jet was rolled out of the company's assembly line on August 19. The test phase includes system ground tests, high-speed taxi tests, and a first flight expected later this month.

Four fully conformed, production aircraft will be used in the certification test program in addition to two other aircraft to be used for static testing and damage and durability testing. More than 1,400 flight test hours are anticipated in a seven-day-a-week program.

The Premier I features a carbon fiber fuselage with all-metal swept wing and integral "wet wing" fuel compartments in the wing structure. Raytheon says the cabin area is wider and taller than other aircraft in its class. It features a generous inflight-accessible baggage area and enclosed lavatory compartment.

The Premier I will be certificated for single-pilot operations. Maximum cruise speed will be 461 KTAS with a range of 1,500 nmi with NBAA IFR reserves.

Raytheon has received more than 130 firm orders for the six-passenger Premier I from customers in the U.S. and abroad.

Manufacturing is on schedule on a companion Raytheon product-the super-midsize Hawker Horizon-at the company's Wichita factory, too. A simulated fuel test wing has been completed by Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan. Joining of the two halves of the wing are slated for late this month. The first production metal swept wing will be shipped from Fuji to Wichita in December for mating with the aircraft's composite fuselage early next year.

Earlier, carbon fiber placement of three proof-of-concept Horizon fuselage barrel sections were completed. Two of these sections were used to refine the composite fiber placement technology and the third will be used in the aircraft's certification testing program. The fiber placement for the first complete fuselage is scheduled for completion next month.

The Horizon, a transcontinental business jet with a 72-inch stand-up cabin, flat flooring the entire length of the cabin, and a pressurized 105-cubic-foot aft baggage compartment accessible in flight, is scheduled to enter service in 2001.

By Jim Street