Sino Swearingen's SJ30-2

As development nears completion, the company gears up for certification of its newest business jet.

Testing continues for Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corp.'s prototype SJ30-2 business jet, which is planned for certification this year and deliveries in 2003. Two additional aircraft are scheduled to join the flight test program this year.

Early in the program, the airplane underwent stability and control checks, engine operating parameter checks, and engine shutdowns and air starts. Additional tests established the correct functioning of the flaps, leading-edge slats, and the anti-skid braking system. Initially the aircraft was restricted to flight speeds of 150 kts, but this has subsequently been expanded to 200 kts as experience has been gained with flaps, slats, and landing gear systems. To date, more than 340 test points have been examined.