After several successful flight test missions, including the first in-flight gear retraction, Aviation Technology Group's Javelin prototype has commenced scheduled downtime for modification and updates to the flap, control and Pitot-static systems.

The downtime will focus on improving the secondary flight control systems and updating the airborne instrumentation data acquisition system and associated transducers.

Once completed, these enhancements will allow tests pilots to further expand the flight envelope with higher speeds and altitudes and actuate the flaps through their full range. Further flight tests will verify the prototype's predicted field and climb performance data.

Revisions to the airborne instrumentation data acquisition system include improvements to the cockpit audio and video capture, as well as the addition of extra force measurements to the flight control systems. Also, several high sensitivity transducers will be added to the Pitot-static system, which will aid Flight Sciences, engineers with data reduction.

"These modifications will enable the flight test team to capture valuable data that will greatly assist with the development of the production aircraft," said Rob Fuschino, chief test pilot and vp of operations.

"The team's hard work will provide ATG engineers an excellent baseline of information to hone the Javelin design."

FAA certification and first deliveries are due in 2008.