Aviation Technology Group’s Javelin twinjet prototype completed its maiden flight from Denver Centennial Airport on September 30. At 7:50 a.m. MST, ATG operations v-p and chief test pilot Robert Fuschino lifted off from Runway 17L at Centennial and flew the very light jet prototype for 35 minutes.

The two-seat Javelin was originally scheduled to reach this milestone in July–some two months after its rollout on May 5–but nosewheel shimmy problems emerged during high-speed taxi tests, delaying the initial flight. To resolve the issue, ATG in early September installed a new nose landing gear fitting, which the company put through its paces in the weeks leading up to the twinjet’s September 30 first flight.

Powered by a pair of Williams FJ33-4-17Ms, the prototype took off with an initial climb rate of 2,800 fpm. During the flight, the landing gear remained down and the flaps remained extended to 10 degrees. The aircraft reached 180 knots and 12,000 feet during the shake-down flight.

While at altitude, Fuschino tested handling qualities, engine stability and approach and landing flight characteristics. Bank angles were limited to 20 degrees.

“The Javelin accomplished each of its test points without any difficulties,” noted Fuschino. “[It] handled well on all axes and was predictable and smooth. The FADEC-controlled engines were exceptionally responsive.”

Unlike most civil aircraft, the Javelin prototype incorporates military ejection seats, which will allow ATG to evaluate Javelin Mk 20 military performance capabilities, as well as those for the Javelin Executive version. Israel Aircraft Industries is ATG’s partner in the development and marketing of the military trainer derivatives of the Javelin.

According to the Englewood, Colo. start-up manufacturer, the Javelin prototype will be used to evaluate aircraft performance, handling qualities and selected system installations. Results from this testing will be assessed, and any necessary changes will be integrated into the civil and military production versions of the aircraft.

FAA certification is still slated for late 2007, with deliveries of the $2.795 million jet to follow immediately. ATG said it has firm orders for about 100 Javelins.