Revolutionary PiperJet Makes Its Historic First Flight

VERO BEACH, Fla., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Piper Aircraft announced today that its revolutionary PiperJet -- the first pure, jet-powered, turbofan design in the company's 71-year history -- made its first flight at 11:11 AM today from Piper Headquarters in Vero Beach, Fla.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080730/CLW135 )

"Today marks the beginning of a new era for Piper Aircraft as the company literally takes flight into a whole new realm of performance, luxury and capability," said Piper President & CEO James K. Bass. "With this major milestone in the PiperJet's development, we are witnessing our future -- one that is built on a strong and lasting heritage and reputation for innovation and excellence."

The PiperJet flew for one hour, reaching a maximum altitude of 10,500 feet and a speed of 160 KTAS as per the flight test plan.

The PiperJet incorporates many new design features, and its first flight was focused on taking an early look at basic handling characteristics.

The PiperJet is powered by a single Williams FJ44-3AP engine rated at 3,000 pounds of thrust. In the PiperJet application, the engine is de-rated to approximately 2,400 pounds of thrust. Piper also has selected Garmin International, Inc. to provide the state-of-the art avionics suite for the PiperJet, with navigation, situational awareness and system information delivered through state-of-the art technologies.

The six passenger PiperJet -- with an option for either a seventh seat or enclosable lavatory -- offers a mission-capable profile and sensuous luxury that set the standard in its class, with a range of 1,300 nautical miles* and a full-fuel payload of 800 lbs.

Built using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing processes, the PiperJet will feature the latest in integrated glass avionics, a luxurious interior and advanced manufacturing techniques pioneered by Piper. Priced from $2.199M (in 2006 USD with a CPI-W escalator), the PiperJet will provide unbeatable value while delivering Piper's legendary uncompromising standards.

"The PiperJet is designed to be flown by a single pilot," said John Becker, Piper's Vice President of Engineering. "Moreover, its innovative design includes ample baggage and will be certified to a maximum operating altitude of 35,000 feet, well above the weather while combining performance with the latest safety technologies and features."

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2011.

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