Program Updates
Previous Back to Newsfeed Next
Testing and Perfecting
Spring 2011
The Learjet 85 program is progressing through the system rig testing phase. This aircraft of tomorrow is well on its way to achieving an unsurpassed level of reliability at first flight. Several system test rigs have successfully been commissioned, including those for avionics, air systems, wing and tail ice protection, water and waste management, landing gear and insulation. The completion of the aircraft level CDR (Critical Design Review) marked the end of the Detail Design Phase and the transition into the build, testing and certification phases.
Advancing system maturity months before first flight
Early rig testing has already proven to be a major advantage for ensuring a smooth and trouble-free Entry Into Service for the Learjet 85. With several design opportunities identified during integrated testing on rigs, supplier engineering departments are able to make changes and advance the maturity of their systems many months before first flight. More than 80% of the rigs are scheduled to commission before the end of summer 2011. Included in this list of rigs are systems such as landing gear control, hydraulics, environmental control systems, thrust reversers, flaps and fuel systems.
System Integration Test Station On the Fast Track
System Integration Test Station (SITS) is progressing along with our planned schedule, with 90% supplier completion of the integration testing with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite on the SITS. In addition, more than 25% of our suppliers have completed testing on the second iteration of software on the SITS. This testing is expected to continue through July 2011. Once assembled in Wichita with its integrated cockpit platform, the SITS testing will continue with additional pilot evaluations and focus groups to ensure customer engagement.
Expanding Our Scope of Testing
As system rig testing continues throughout the year, the program scope will be expanded to support our goal of delivering unmatched reliability at first flight. The expanded program will include Reliability Demonstration Testing (RDT) where extensive failure cases are introduced on the rigs; Robustness testing including Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) and Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS). Testing to minimize erroneous messages in the cockpit and validation of system functional test procedures will be conducted to ensure minimal problems during final assembly of the flight test aircraft.
By testing the systems of the Learjet 85 today, we will ensure that this extraordinary new business jet perfectly meets the needs of tomorrow.
Disclaimer
The aircraft is currently under development and the design and the design tolerances remain to be finalized and certified. The aircraft is subject to change during the course of the design, manufacture and certification process. The statements about performance, design, design tolerances and the images shown in this document are solely based on projections and forecasts and are subject to change without notice. All competitive data is based upon public information derived from third party sources. This document and the information contained herein does not constitute an offer, commitment, representation or warranty of any kind with respect to the aircraft. The actual configuration and performance of the aircraft shall be subject of a purchase agreement between the buyer and Learjet.