Aviation Technology Group took its prototype Javelin jet on its first flight Friday, a milestone for the metro Denver company.
ATG was founded in 1998 and has about 90 employees at Centennial Airport. It is developing a two-seat, $2.8 million aircraft that is targeted at wealthy pilots. The plane can also be configured for military use.
ATG chairman George Bye had hoped for a first flight months earlier, but testing and analysis took longer than expected. The company has been doing ground-based taxi tests since June.
Chief test pilot and vice president of operations Robert Fuschino piloted the Javelin on Friday morning on a 35-minute flight around Centennial Airport. It flew up to 180 knots – a little over 200 mph – rose as high as 12,000 feet and performed turns and banks. Fire and rescue teams were on standby.
“It performed flawlessly,” Bye said.
“It’s a very special day for ATG as a company.”
The primary goal of the first flight is to ensure that the plane is safe to land and turn around. ATG will continue to test the jet, increasing its speed by 30 knots on the next flight.
ATG expects the Federal Aviation Administration to certify the Javelin in late 2007 or early 2008, Bye said. The first deliveries to customers will follow soon after.
ATG plans to begin manufacturing tools and fixtures for the Javelin at Front Range Airport near Watkins in mid-2006.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-820-1488 or kyamanouchi@denverpost.com.
