Aermacchi, VENEGONO, Italy: Today, the M-311 avionics demonstrator has performed its first flight. The aircraft has taken off from Venegono airfield at 10.00 a.m. piloted by Olinto Cecconello, Aermacchi's Chief test Pilot.
The M-311 avionics demonstrator features a new Man-Machine-Interface and a strengthened structure that ensures a fatigue life of 15,000 flight hours and maximum maneuvering load factors in the range of +7 / -3.5 g.
The turbofan engine equipping the aircraft provides a maximum continuous thrust of 1,447 kg, combining high performance with low fuel consumption.
The 70 minute flight has allowed the functionality of the new avionics suite and the general handling of the aircraft to be evaluated. During the flight the aircraft has reached the maximum load factor and the most significant areas of the flight envelope.
The first flight of this avionics demonstrator is an important milestone in the development phase of the new M-311 aircraft that will require further structural, maintenance and ergonomics modifications.
The first production aircraft could be delivered in the year 2008.
Considering the industrialisation of the new fast jet trainer M-311 and forthcoming international competitions, Aermacchi is already contacting international partners who will be involved in the aircraft development and production.
The avionics demonstrator of the M-311 will be on static display in Finmeccanica outdoor areas A384-391 on occasion of the next Le Bourget Air Show.
