According to Aviation Technology Group, the assembly of its Javelin demonstrator prototype is progressing rapidly at Soloy’s facilities in Olympia, Wash. The test aircraft is currently being fitted with systems, in preparation for first flight early this year (a delay of one quarter from original estimates). Before Thanksgiving, the company completed structural testing on the prototype’s wings.

The Javelin demonstrator prototype will be used to evaluate aircraft performance, handling qualities and selected system installations. The results of this testing will be assessed and changes made as necessary for incorporation into the FAA-certified production Javelin.

In November, ATG announced that Horst Bergmann, former president and CEO of Jeppesen, joined the company as executive vice chairman. As such, Bergmann holds the number-two position in the company, reporting directly to president and CEO George Bye. In addition to maintaining an active leadership role on the ATG board, he will oversee marketing, sales, risk management, legal and human resources.

Early last month Charlie Johnson, a business aviation veteran and former president of Cessna Aircraft, joined the ATG team as executive vice president of operations. Johnson’s responsibilities include overseeing engineering, manufacturing, supply-chain management and flight operations.

The company claims orders for 90 Javelin Executive Jets. ATG has projected it will ramp up to more than 70 aircraft by the second year of production. Initial customer deliveries of FAA-certified Javelins are slated for 2007, a goal that remains unchanged despite the slightly delayed first flight.