Flight Tests

IN FOCUS: Flight test of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Test pilot Paul Smith got behind production-standard controls in a 787 test aircraft for an evaluation flight of Boeing’s technologically ground-breaking Dreamliner

FLIGHT TEST: Ruag's Dornier 228NG put to the test

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Ruag's revamped Do 228NG is pitched as a tool for intelligence gathering and surveillance. How does it feel to fly the turboprop?

F-35 high AOA flights and weapons separation tests imminent at Edwards AFB

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 23:09:00 GMT

Test pilots at Edwards AFB, California, are set to begin high angle-of-attack (AOA) flights and weapons separation testing on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint...

Blended Wing Body flight test campaign resumes at NASA Dryden

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:22:00 GMT

A six-month flight test campaign has kicked off at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards AFB in California to evaluate the latest iteration of...

FLIGHT TEST: Yak-130 proves versatility

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:00:00 GMT

YAK ATTACK Irkut's Yak-130 is en route to Russia to showcase the skills of a newly integrated national aerospace industry at a global level. But how...

PICTURES: Comac ARJ21 undergoes water ingestion tests

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 05:02:00 GMT

Comac has started water ingestion and flooded runway tests for its ARJ21 regional jet programme. On 28 June, the ARJ21-700 travelled at high speed...

Boeing X-48C blended-wing body to fly next month

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 22:15:00 GMT

Boeing and NASA hope to fly a new version of the X-48 blended-wing body subscale test aircraft next month, a senior company official says. "We're...

F-35 problems on their way to being fixed

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:07:00 GMT

The F-35 Lightning II is making good progress through flight testing this year, a top Lockheed Martin official says. Most of the biggest challenges faced...

IN FOCUS: Putting Dassault's digital avionics to the test at London City

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:50:00 GMT

We put Dassault's latest digital avionics systems to the test by flying a Falcon 7X business jet on the steep approach to London City airport

USMC to start F-35B flights next week at Eglin AFB

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:10:00 GMT

The US Marine Corps will start local area flights on the F-35B next week at Eglin AFB, Florida, but all is not well at manufacturer Lockheed Martin. Workers...

USAF to rebuild its aerospace physiology expertise

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:21:00 GMT

The US Air Force's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) investigating the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor's life support system found that the service has allowed...

FLIGHT TEST: Sikorsky S-76D

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Sikorsky has brought a host of upgrades to the S-76 via its newest model of the twin - and made take-offs from rooftops a capability

IN FOCUS: A flight test of Antonov's An-158 regional jet

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Antonov moved on from its Soviet origins and embraced 21st-century aircraft design with the highly modern An-148 regional jet - a stretched version of which, the An-158, was certified earlier this year. In this exclusive flight-test report, we put the longer variant through its paces

FLIGHT TEST: Epic LT - Experimental Rocket

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:00:00 GMT

We took a spin in the zippy Epic LT turbine single, reborn following its manufacturer's brush with bankruptcy

FLIGHT TEST: Essential logic - Dassault Falcon 2000S

Mon, 16 May 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Five design drivers powered development of Dassault's new 2000S business jet. How does the result stack up against competing aircraft?

FLIGHT TEST: Eclipse 500 - approaching totality

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Despite its manufacturer's travails, the Eclipse 500 perseveres in a new incarnation - with revamped avionics and a new moniker on the livery

FLIGHT TEST: Third way: a flight test of the Falcon 7X's EVS/HUD

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Can the Dassault Falcon 7X's 'third-generation' enhanced vision system and head-up display turn night into day?

FLIGHT TEST: Bombardier CRJ1000 - Stretching profits

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:00:00 GMT

There is still life left in Bombardier's CRJ family of aircraft, a test flight of the CRJ1000 NextGen reveals

FLIGHT TEST: Robinson R66 - swansong sweetheart

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Robinson Helicopter's R66 caps the five-decade career of its recently retired founder with a move from piston to turbine power. Has the transition been smooth?

FLIGHT TEST: Grob Aircraft G120TP - Pocket rocket

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Grob's piston-powered G120A has been transformed into the G120TP, with a new nose section, digital cockpit and a turboprop engine. How does the revamped trainer perform?

FLIGHT TEST: Dassault 900LX - Do winglets improve performance?

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:45:00 GMT

Dassault's range of Falcon business jets look good, but does the addition of winglets make a difference to their handling? We flew the 900LX to find out

FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-6

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The ultra-short take-off and landing Pilatus PC-6 first flew in 1959. We flew the latest version to find out if - with an upgraded cockpit - there is still life in a venerable turboprop

FLIGHT TEST: Gobosh 700 - What's in a name?

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Gobosh 700 light sport aircraft caused a stir when it appeared at Lee airport. What is it like to fly?

FLIGHT TEST: Embraer Phenom 300

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Embraer's light jet is as solid as a midsized aircraft and dollar for dollar is more than a match for its rivals

FLIGHT TEST: Bell 429 - No detail too small

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:00:00 GMT

Bell's new 429 twin-engined helicopter is fast, quiet, smooth, has plenty of power and has safety in its DNA

FLIGHT TEST: Dassault Rafale - Rampant Rafale

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Flight International test pilot Peter Collins is the first Briton to fly Dassault's F3-standard Rafale. Read his exclusive evaluation of the 'omnirole' type ...

FLIGHT TEST: Emivest SJ30 - Long-range rocket

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

The SJ30 owes it origins to Ed Swearingen, designer of the Metroliner twin-engined turboprop. His studies for a long-range, high-speed light business jet...

FLIGHT TEST: Eurocopter EC225 - Puma repowered

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMT

With the dual digital autopilot programmed to intercept the instrument landing system at Marseilles International airport at a 150° angle to the localiser...

FLIGHT TEST: Bombardier 415 - The superscooper

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

More than 70 Bombardier 415 firefighting aircraft have been sold. How does the rugged amphibian handle?

FLIGHT TEST & CUTAWAY: Dassault Falcon 2000LX - Winning wings

Fri, 08 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The latest Dassault Falcon 2000 has been enhanced with winglets. But do they make an already high-performing business jet better? We flew the 2000LX to find out

FLIGHT TEST: de Havilland Danada DHC-6-300: no jacket or tie required

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT

With the splash of salt water in his face, our test pilot found flying the DHC-6-300 in the Caribbean an exhilirating experience

FLIGHT TEST: Phenom 100 - building on a Legacy

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT

When the Legacy 600 was launched in 2000, it would have been easy to dismiss Embraer's first foray into the business jet market as merely an...

FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-21 - Fast learner

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Can one aircraft replace three or four? The new Pilatus PC-21, with its range of sophisticated embedded systems, looks as if it could ...

FLIGHT TEST: Hawker 4000 - Beyond the horizon

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Was the long wait for the Hawker 4000 worth it? We flew the super-midsize business jet and found an aircraft that gives real value for money in its market sector

FLIGHT TEST: Bombardier Challenger 605 - Windows of change

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:15:00 GMT

The latest Challenger - the 605 - can fly further with a larger payload than its predecessors. Cockpit and cabin improvements complete the transformation

FLIGHT TEST: Hawker 900XP - Setting a Standard

Mon, 19 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

The Hawker 900XP is the latest incarnation of a business jet with a long pedigree. Does it lives up to its legacy? Flight International flew it to find out

FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-12NG

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:58:00 GMT

I had not flown the Pilatus PC-12 or -12 NG single turboprop, received no simulator training or computer-based training on the upgraded aircraft's Honeywell...

FLIGHT TEST: ACSS SafeRoute cockpit system

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Flight International evaluates SafeRoute, the ADS-B-based system developer ACSS and launch customer UPS believe can enhance both operations and safety

FLIGHT TEST: F-35 Simulator - Virtual fighter

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:54:00 GMT

It has become fashionable to talk of fighters in terms of generations that broadly describe their capabilities. Within this paradigm the F-15, F-16 and F-18...

FLIGHT TEST: Dassault Falcon 7X - Fast and easy

Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Dassault's Falcon 7X was designed digitally in a virtual environment, but what is the real thing like? Flight International took the controls of the business jet to find out

FLIGHT TEST: Alenia Aermacchi M-311 - Bridging the gap

Mon, 07 May 2007 18:17:00 GMT

Alenia Aermacchi believes the M-311 can play its part in a package that can support basic, advanced and tactical flight training for the latest military fast jets

FLIGHT TEST: Beechcraft Bonanza - Birthday Bonanza

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In production since 1947, the Beechcraft Bonanza has been steadily evolving. The latest version, with new flightdeck and autopilot, offers surprising capabilities

FLIGHT TEST: Farnborough Aircraft Kestrel - Wings of desire

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Farnborough Aircraft is seeking an Arabian partner to bring its Kestrel turboprop to market. We chart the turbulent history of the project and fly the prototype

FLIGHT TEST: Douglas DC-3 - Dakota skies

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:00:00 GMT

Many examples of the venerable Douglas DC-3 are still in operation all over the world. So how does this classic aircraft fly compared with its modern counterparts?

FLIGHT TEST: Airbus A380

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 15:30:00 GMT

The A380 is the world’s biggest airliner, but do its handling qualities match its mammoth proportions? We found out when we flew it for the first time

FLIGHT TEST: Alenia Aermacchi M-346 - One-stop warrior

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 is designed to provide 'one-type' training from basic to fighter lead-in - and seems well capable of delivering on its promise

FLIGHT TEST: EADS TBM850 - Propelled to success

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Comfortable, fast and capable, EADS Socata’s newly certificated TBM850 single-engine turboprop is a worthy foil for very light jets

FLIGHT TEST: Eclipse 500 - Low cost jet set

Tue, 02 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The Eclipse 500 is the most talked-about business aircraft in years. But what is the very light jet like to fly? We took the controls of a test aircraft

FLIGHT TEST: Gulfstream G150 - Space Machine

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

We flight test the Gulfstream G150 mid-size business jet. A bigger cabin, new cockpit, improved systems and all the performance of its predecessor look set to make the G150 a winner.

FLIGHT TEST: KAI T-50 - Korea High

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

KAI’s T-50 is designed to bridge the gap between current trainers and fourth-generation fighters. Our test pilot was the first non-South Korean to fly it

FLIGHT TEST: Seabird Aviation Seeker - No place to hide

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

In the right place at the right time and at the right price,the Seeker promises to offer a viable alternative to the expense of operating helicopters

FLIGHT TEST: Piaggio Avanti II - Hard to beat

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Piaggio Aero Industries has just delivered its 100th P180 Avanti, almost 20 years after the twin-turboprop business aircraft first flew. Many of those sales have been achieved since the long-established Italian manufacturer was reinvigorated by its mid-1990s takeover by a group of private investors. Now Piaggio has introduced its first major upgrade of the P180. With improved avionics and systems, the Avanti II replaces the original beginning with delivery of the 105th aircraft in November. The P180 turboprop first flew in 1986 and was certificated and delivered to its first customer in 1990. Sales to date have been split roughly 60:40 between the USA and Europe. Production is running at around 20 a year and, with a backlog of 70 orders, a sale today translates into an early 2009 delivery. Airframe sections are produced at both Genoa and Finale, but final ass

FLIGHT TEST: Robinson R-44: Raven reborn

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Frank Robinson built his first helicopter at home. Thirty years on, his company sells more helicopters than anyone. We flew the latest: the uprated R44 Raven II

FLIGHT TEST FLY OFF: Evektor SportStar, Flight Design CT, Tecnam Sierra - Sporting heroes

Tue, 19 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

A new generation of light aircraft promises to bring affordable recreational flying to the masses. We flew three designs to see how good they really are From humble beginnings as powered hang gliders, ultralight-microlight (UL-ML) aircraft have grown into capable aeroplanes. Advances in design, materials such as carbonfibre and modern engines have produced a class of aircraft with good performance at a price that eclipses old two-seater types like the Cessna 150. Europe has led development of modern UL-ML aircraft, and with the approval in April of the US Federal Aviation Administration’s new light-sports aircraft (LSA) category, European manufacturers are among the first to enter the market. The LSA classification is set to better define what modern UL-ML aircraft have become, but it also recognises their “fun and recreational” potential and does not subject them to the same level of regulation as heavier aircraft unless they are to be used commercial

FLIGHT TEST: Bell AH-1Z: King cobra

Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Has Bell's rebuild of the AH-1 to the Z standard given it the combat potency to rival other modern attack helicopters? We fly it to find out.

FLIGHT TEST: Raytheon T-6 Texan II - A better Texan

Tue, 04 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

With the B version of its T-6 Texan II, Raytheon Aircraft aims to tap demand for a more advanced turboprop trainer offering a fighter-style cockpit Since winning the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) competition, Raytheon Aircraft has delivered over 200 T-6A Texan IIs to the US Air Force and Navy - roughly one quarter of the planned US buy of 782 aircraft. The T-6 has also been selected for the NATO Flying Training in Canada programme, where 26 are in operation, and the Greek air force has taken delivery of 45 - the first 25 almost identical to the US version and the last 20 modified to provide a weapons delivery capability with simple sight and freefall munitions. Raytheon believes there is pent-up demand for a basic trainer equipped with head-up display (HUD) that can perform roles previously requiring higher performance and more expensive aircraft. In an effort to expand the Texan's capabilities, the company has embarked on a self-funded avionics upgra

FLIGHT TEST: Cessna 182T - Glass AcT

Tue, 14 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT

With more than 150,000 built, nothing could be a more familiar sight at the local airport than the high-wing Cessna piston single. So it is hardly surprising that the company stuck with what it knew when it resumed single-engined piston deliveries in 1997. Since then, Cessna has produced more than 4,500 Skyhawks, Skylanes and Stationairs. These aircraft sport new paint schemes and detail improvements, but they look just like their predecessors. The general aviation market has not stood still, however, and this time around Cessna's singles face stiff competition from designs offering new technology. Some of the biggest advances have been in the cockpit, and now Cessna has teamed with Garmin International to bring the latest in general aviation flightdeck technology to its piston singles. The availability of Garmin's G1000 all-glass integrated avionics marks perhaps the most radical change yet to these long-running aircraft. Well known as a maker of GPS naviga

FLIGHT TEST: Gulstream G450 - Heir apparent

Tue, 23 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT

The G450, the latest in Gulfstream's family of business jets, enters service next year. Can it live up to its illustrious predecessors? We assess its performance If one aircraft cemented Gulfstream's success in the business jet market, it is the long-range, large-cabin GIV. Production of the GIV, improved GIV-SP and rebranded G400/G300 has totalled 537 aircraft - far more than any other Gulfstream - and it is not the end of the story. Production continues with the next-generation G450 and G350. Certificated in August, the G450 began life in 2001 as the GIV-X, the third generation of a business jet family that began with the original GIV, launched in 1985, and continued with introduction of the GIV-SP in 1993. In 2002, the GIV-SP was rebranded the G400 and last month production transitioned to the new G450, with entry into service planned for the second quarter of next year. Over that time, competition in the long-range segment has not stood still, with Dassault

FLIGHT TEST: Cessna Citation Soverign - Mid-size marvel

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Cessna's Citation Sovereign business jet has great field performance and can take eight passengers coast to coast across the USA Although there are a several aircraft in the mid-size business jet category, recently most manufacturers have concentrated on launching larger designs. But while Bombardier developed the Challenger 300, Dassault the Falcon 2000EX and Raytheon the Hawker Horizon for the burgeoning super mid-size segment, Cessna saw an opportunity in the traditional mid-size market, where no all-new aircraft were being launched. When it announced the Model 680 Sovereign at the 1998 National Business Aviation Association convention, certification and first deliveries were planned for 2002, but the programme was delayed while Cessna worked on other business jets. First flight was not until February 2002, and US type certification was received in June this year. Customer deliveries began last week, in the run-up to NBAA 2004. Cessna's first all-new busines

FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-12 - Power of one

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT

The single-engined Pilatus PC-12 offers plenty of cabin space, is economical to acquire and maintain, and is versatile to operate While the Swiss are renowned for their versatile knives and finely crafted watches, Stans, Switzerland-based Pilatus has made its name building rugged single-engined aircraft. From a background in utility and training aircraft, the company launched into the business-aviation segment in 1991 with the PC-12 - the aviation embodiment of those renowned Swiss qualities of versatility and craftsmanship. The single-turboprop PC-12 has been successful, and Pilatus will deliver its 500th example before the year-end. Flight International was invited to evaluate the aircraft by the company's US arm, Pilatus Business Aircraft. On paper, the PC-12 may be a single-engined aircraft, but on the ramp it is a big aircraft. Dwarfing the upcoming crop of light jets, the PC-12 has a wingspan of 16.2m (53.25ft) and sports a cabin volume (excluding c

FLIGHT TEST: Aermacchi Impala - Spin doctor

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Flight International's test pilot deliberately gets into some awkward situations in an Atlas Impala as he finds out how training is advancing Test pilot schools worldwide are providing more rigorous courses and higher technology to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of 21st century flight testing. Nowhere is this more evident than in Mojave, California, home of the National Test Pilot School (NTPS) and site of the only non-governmental school in the USA. One of the workhorses of its fleet is the Atlas-built Aermacchi MB326M Impala, a tandem-seat straight-wing trainer/light attack aircraft. The NTPS Impalas are ex-South African Air Force aircraft, powered by a single Rolls-Royce Viper Mk22-1 turbojet. Flight International was invited to fly a medley instructional sortie - touching on loads, flutter and high angle-of-attack (AoA) - in a specially modified Impala. Th

FLIGHT TEST: C-27J - No small measure

Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Nicknamed "half a Hercules" due to its commonality with the four-engined C-130J, the twin-turboprop C-27J may set the standard for medium tactical airlifters Based on the Alenia G222 and the C-27A operated by the US Air Force in Central America, the C-27J Spartan represents a significant enhancement of an already capable tactical transport. Offered by the Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) joint venture, the C-27J follows the route set by the C-130J in taking a proven design and adding improved avionics and propulsion. Rather than develop unique systems for the Spartan, LMATTS borrowed them from the C-130J. Development time and costs were minimised as proven systems were readily available, and life cycle costs should be reduced as spares commonality with the C-130J ensures a readily available parts pool. The benefits for operators of both the C-130J and C-27J will be even greater, as common avionics and systems will reduce transition-training costs, an

FLIGHT TEST: Diamond Aircraft DA42 - Sparkling performer

Tue, 13 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Diamond Aircraft's DA42 Twin Star is high on technology and economy - and proves itself a delight to fly A quiet revolution in European general aviation is taking place in Austria. Diamond Aircraft, based at Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna, has just certificated its DA42 Twin Star under the new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) procedures. US certification is expected by September. What makes this four-seat touring and training aircraft different is the combination of advanced features within the first twin-engine design in this category seen in more than 25 years on either side of the Atlantic. The airframe is carbonfibre-reinforced plastic for lightness and strength, giving the DA42 passive safety levels that meet the new EASA 21 rules, as well as efficient aerodynamics and essentially unlimited airframe life. The engines are turbocharged direct-injection diesels, 135hp (100kW) Theilert Centurion 1.7s, with dual-channel, full-authority digital engine c

FLIGHT TEST: Bell/Agusta AB139 - Medium rare

Tue, 22 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Flight International is first to flight test the Bell/Agusta Aerospace AB139, which offers impressive twin-turbine performance. Will it excite a market poised to re-equip? A new medium twin-turbine helicopter does not come along every day and, judging by the healthy order backlog for the Bell/Agusta Aerospace AB139, the market is ready for a new entrant. The AB139 is coming to market just as its target customers - corporate, offshore and utility operators - are entering a long-overduere-equipment phase. Starting life as the A139, a larger stablemate for Agusta's A109 light turbine twin using technology developed for the Italian manufacturer's A129 attack machine, the design was conceived as a quiet, fast and modern 12-passenger helicopter that would seat up to 17, including pilot(s), in a high-density layout. With the creation of the Bell/Agusta Aerospace (BAAC) joint venture in 1998, the helicopter became the AB139, stablemate to the BA609 civil tiltrotor.<

FLIGHT TEST: Learjet 40 - Filling the gap

Tue, 18 May 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Bombardier Aerospace has strengthened its light-jet challenge with the Learjet 40. But can it better its Cessna and Raytheon rivals? Bombardier is unique in offering products covering the business-jet spectrum from light to ultra-long-range. But when the company stopped producing the Learjet 31A in 2003, it left a gap at the light-jet end of its product line - a crowded market segment with several strong competitors already in place, particularly the Cessna Citation Encore and Raytheon Beechjet 400A (now the Hawker 400XP). Market research showed that any replacement for the Learjet 31A would need to offer a more-spacious cabin and modern avionics while providing lower direct operating costs. To meet this need, Bombardier decided to capitalise on its substantial level of investment in the development of the all-new, super-light Learjet 45, certificated in 1997 by both European and US authorities. The decision to base the new Learjet 40 light jet on an existing

FLIGHT TEST: Gulfstream G550 - Longer ranger

Tue, 13 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Gulfstream's G550 aims to guarantee making New York-Tokyo a non-stop flying experience, a boon to business travellers who absolutely have to be there on time... The world's first ultra-long-range business jet, the Gulfstream GV, gave operators the ability to fly New York to Tokyo non-stop. While its 12,000km (6,500nm) range with eight passengers at Mach 0.8 was sufficient for most trips, unseasonably strong headwinds could force a refuelling stop. Gulfstream's newest flagship, the G550, traces its routes back to the GV and its GV-SP derivative, and is designed to make New York to Tokyo more of a sure thing regardless of headwinds. The G550 was introduced at the 2002 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual meeting and convention, when Gulfstream unveiled a new seven-aircraft product line. Previously designated the GV-SP, the G550 offers customers more range than the GV, while featuring significant improvements to the cabin and avionics package. After a f

FLIGHT TEST: Cessna Citation XLS - Cessna excels

Tue, 24 Feb 2004 00:00:00 GMT

With a package of improvements, Cessnahas made the latest version of the world'sbest-selling jet even better Cessna's latest offering, the Citation XLS, is the enhanced descendant of the world's best-selling business jet, the Citation Excel. Since certificating the Excel in April 1998, the manufacturer has delivered more than 350 to customers worldwide. The aircraft owes its success in part to the niche that Cessna carved out for a light business jet with mid-size cabin, outstanding runway performance and low acquisition and operating costs. The Excel's combination of size and economics made it a runaway hit, and the XLS is Cessna's bid to continue that success. The aircraft was on the verge of certification when Flight International sampled its upgrades on a flight from Cessna's production and test facility in Wichita. The XLS shares its fuselage and cabin cross-section with the Citation X and soon- to-be-certificated Citation Sovereign, both mid-size

FLIGHT TEST: Bombardier Challenger 300 - Polished player

Tue, 03 Feb 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Bombardier is giving its super mid-size competitors run for their money with the Challenger 300, which offers good value and spacious cabin with low operating costs When formally launched at the Paris air show in 1999, Bombardier's new super mid-size business jet was named the Continental, to emphasise its US transcontinental design mission. Later the aircraft was rebranded the Challenger 300 to associate it more closely in customers' minds with the company's Challenger 604, the value-for-money leader among large business jets. In fact, the Challenger 300 is designed to bridge the gap between Bombardier's Learjet and Challenger lines, and is intended to combine the traditional strengths of the two families: speed and style with size and reliability. And while the name may have changed since the programme's inception, one thing has remained constant: Bombardier's drive to develop an aircraft that delivers more than the competition for less money. The Challeng

FLIGHT TEST: Boeing 777-300ER - Fast and heavy

Tue, 20 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Boeing has retained the 777's excellent flying qualities with the heavier, more powerful -300ER, while adding range and fuel performance gains Boeing's original game plan for the 777 family always included longer-haul variants to satisfy an embryonic point-to-point market with massive potential. But 10 years ago, even the keenest visionaries could not have foreseen the sheer size and power of the 777-300ER, the first of two variants developed to attack this growing global network. The 777-300ER is the largest and most powerful twin-engined aircraft ever developed. In a little over a year's time it will be joined by its stablemate, the even longer-range 777-200LR. Both form the ultimate expressions of Boeing's payload and range growth strategy for the 777 family. Building on successive weight, power and stretch developments, the extension into the longer-range market was entirely dependent on engine growth to an almost unbelievable 115,000lb thrust (512kN). A

FLIGHT TEST: Lockheed Martin F-16E/F Block 60 - Bridging the gap

Tue, 02 Dec 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Externally, the most striking feature of the Lockheed Martin F-16E/F Block 60 is the two shoulder-mounted conformal fuel tanks. The removable tanks add about 1,360kg (3,000lb) of internal fuel, while increasing empty weight by 450kg, but with little adverse impact on flying qualities. Otherwise, the aircraft closely resembles the latest Block 50/52 F-16s. But further examination reveals the forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret on the nose, forward of the cockpit, and the targeting "mini-pod" attached to the inlet, both unique to the Block 60. These external differences hint at greater changes inside the aircraft, where the avionics are substantially different from those in previous F-16s. Northrop Grumman's APG-80 agile beam radar (ABR), integrated FLIR and targeting system (IFTS) and Falcon Edge electronic-warfare (EW) suite are all new to the Block 60. The core avionics and digital flight control system use new commercial processors. And the cockpit has been im

FLIGHT TEST: Dassault Falcon 900EX -Easy does it

Tue, 18 Nov 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Dassault's EASy flightdeck, being introduced first on the Falcon 900EX, provides an intuitive interface with advanced flight management technology Dassault's Falcon 900EX is perhaps the premier large business jet on the market. A derivative of the Falcon 900C, the 900EX added range and reliability to an already capable aircraft. This month Dassault will certificate its newest model, the 900EX EASy. While improved in several areas, the aircraft's major advance is the Enhanced Avionics System (EASy). Built on Honeywell Primus Epic integrated avionics, the EASy cockpit is Dassault's clean-sheet redefinition of the business jet flightdeck. Over the past few decades cockpits have undergone major changes as new technologies have been incorporated. More-capable avionics can provide more data to pilots, but that alone does not guarantee increased safety. Accident rates for US-registered airliners and professionally piloted business jets have not declined appreciably; rather

FLIGHT TEST: Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano - Amazon warrior

Tue, 26 Mar 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Embraer designed the EMB-314 Super Tucano to meet unique Brazilian requirements, but hopes to find a wider market for the powerful turboprop as an advanced trainer/light attack aircraft Due to its location and size Brazil has some unique and demanding defence requirements. The largest country in South America, it shares 11,000km (6,800 miles) of borders with seven countries. While Brazil's south is modern and industrialised, the same cannot be said of its north. The Amazon river basin to the north comprises over 60% of Brazil's territory, its rain forest and scrublands a haven for illegal activities. In 1990 a joint civil/military co-ordination agency, the Amazon Protection System (SIPAM), was formed to tame this region. Critical to SIPAM's success is the implementation of the Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM), which has both air and ground components. Raytheon is SIVAM prime contractor, with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer supplying the aerial component, which uses