SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 1996--Sino Swearingen Aircraft Company (SSAC) announces the first flight of the SJ30-2 prototype aircraft from its headquarters at the San Antonio International Airport.
The airplane, S.N. 001, departed San Antonio International Airport at 10:21 a.m. Central Standard Time and flew on its first mission for a total flight time of 1 hour and 31 minutes. Test pilots for the flight were Carl Pascarell and R.H. Blackwell. Following the flights, Pascarell reported, "The original SJ30 airplane offered high performance and excellent handling qualities. This new SJ30-2 configuration clearly offers more outstanding features and looks to be a real winner." Blackwell stated that, "the first flight mission met all of the test objectives."
The prototype aircraft will now be used for testing purposes to evaluate flight characteristics and external design changes. This first flight signifies the beginning of the formal flight test program. S.N. 001 will be joined next year by two other certification test aircraft. Two airframes will also be completed and used as structural tests articles in the FAA certification program.
Initial flights and testing on S.N. 001 will be conducted using fuel efficient Williams-Rolls FJ44-1A turbofan engines with 1,900 pounds of thrust per engine. As the new Williams-Rolls FJ44-2A, 2,300 pound thrust engines become available, they will replace the -1A engines for completion of the test and certification program.
The SJ30-2 prototype aircraft that was flown incorporates several aerodynamic and structural improvements that are part of the new design. Those modifications include:
-- Improved Wing Design
The SJ30-2 aircraft has several important modifications and improvements to the wing. The overall wing span has increased from 36.33 feet to 42.33 feet. Wing dihedral has also been changed from -0.7 degrees to +2.3 degrees. A modified wing/fuselage fairing and a wing glove have also been added to reduce aerodynamic drag.
-- Stretched Fuselage
The fuselage on the SJ30-2 has been lengthened 52 inches. This results in an increase in usable cabin volume to 330.5 cubic feet. The stretched fuselage also allows for more space in the baggage compartment located behind the aft cabin pressure bulkhead.
-- Increased Fuel Capacity
The stretched fuselage also allows an increase in fuel capacity for the SJ30-2. By incorporating a standard fuselage fuel tank in the extra fuselage volume, maximum fuel capacity of the SJ30-2 is increased to 716 gallons (4,800 lbs). This extra fuel capacity results in an NBAA IFR range (1 pilot, 3 passengers) in excess of 2,500 nautical miles.
-- Modified Nosewheel Steering
The SJ30-2 now incorporates a hydraulically actuated nosegear steering system. The system utilizes a cockpit mounted "tiller wheel" for excellent ground maneuverability.
"The SJ30-2 prototype incorporates the major aerodynamic features of the planned SJ30-2 production aircraft," stated Ron Neal, senior vice president for operations. "This will be the first aircraft to fly with the new Williams-Rolls FJ44-2A, 2,300 pound thrust engine as soon as it is available, currently projected for the first quarter of 1997," said Neal.
The Sino Swearingen SJ30-2 will bring to business aviation a degree of flexible travel with operating efficiency and performance never seen before in this class of aircraft. With a high speed cruise above .80 Mach, this will be one of the fastest aircraft in the light jet class. Designed to cruise at 49,000 feet, the SJ30-2 has a NBAA/IFR range of beyond 2,500 nautical miles at .78 Mach. At a cost of $3.5 million in 1995 dollars fully equipped, this state-of-the-art business jet costs less than many turboprop aircraft. Prospective customers include those listed in Inc. 100, Fortune 1000, and those currently operating turboprop and older small business jets. The company expects to receive U.S. certification for the SJ30-2 to FAR Part 23 regulations and deliver the first production aircraft in the fourth quarter of 1998.
