TYPE: Business jet.

PROGRAMME: Jet derivative of former Piper/Ted Smith Aerostar 600/700 series, of which over 1,000 were built; will be certified as a new-build design, but first flight-test example will be modified from an existing piston-engined aircraft. First flight originally scheduled for August 2001, with certification and first deliveries in July 2002; but revised to maiden flight in second half of 2004 and deliveries in 2006.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Family planned, ranging from four to eight seats.

CUSTOMERS: Total 25 deposits received by April 2001.

COSTS: Development costs estimated at US$40 million. Unit price US$2 million (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Improved, jet-powered version of original piston-engined Aerostar; FAR Pt23 compliant.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Single-slotted Fowler flaps; maximum deflection 45°. Electrically operated trim tabs on port aileron, rudder and both elevators.

STRUCTURE: Metal throughout; semi-monocoque fuselage with flush-riveted skins; two-spar wing mounted mid-fuselage with 2° dihedral; contains integral fuel tanks. Mid-mounted tailplane; glass fibre dorsal fillet.

LANDING GEAR: Retractable, hydraulically actuated tricycle type; oleo-pneumatic suspension. Electrically actuated nosewheel steering. Dual calliper disc brakes on main wheels.

POWER PLANT: Two 5.35 kN (1,200 lb st) Williams FJ33-1 or two 6.67 kN (1,500 lb st) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans on elastomeric engine mounts on pylon on each side of rear fuselage. Fuel in integral wing tanks, plus bladder-type fuselage tank between rear of cabin and baggage compartment; all three tanks crossed for balanced fuel load.

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and up to seven passengers in pairs of seats; standard layout is four club seats in cabin. Door on port side of fuselage behind cockpit. Baggage compartment to rear of cabin; optional lavatory on starboard side at rear of cabin; optional fold-out table.

SYSTEMS: 28 V DC battery for engine starting and as emergency/back-up source; DC external power point on aft fuselage underside. Cabin pressurised to 0.52 bar (7.6 lb/sq in) at 3,050 m (10,000 ft) and cooled using Freon 134 vapour-cycle system. De-icing system to be fitted to engine inlets, surface leading edges and windscreen; exact type to be determined.

AVIONICS: Cockpit modelled on original Aerostar; instrument panel canted to enhance readability by solo pilot.
Comms: Dual VHF nav/com; Dual Mode S transponders; audio control panel.
Radar: Colour weather radar.
Flight: GPS; DME; three-axis autopilot.