ph: 505.246.8200 • fax: 505.246.8300
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ph: 505.246.8200 • fax: 505.246.8300 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Don Coburn
Century Aerospace Corporation
donc@centuryaero.com
(505) 246-8200
(505) 246-8300 (Fax)
Albuquerque, N.M. — Nov. 1, 1999 — Century Aerospace Corporation recently completed a low-speed wind tunnel test of the Century Jet, CA-100 — Century’s six-seat, low-cost business jet — at the University of Washington Kirsten Wind Tunnel in Seattle. The purpose of the test was to evaluate low-speed aerodynamics, substantiate stability and control, verify performance estimations and explore deep-stall characteristics.
According to Century aerodynamicists Ian Gilchrist and Paul Robertson, the wind tunnel results were directly in line with expectations. “The pre-test analysis and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) work paid off and the airplane appears to have excellent flying characteristics, including docile wing stall,” said Gilchrist.
During the wind-tunnel testing, the wing’s laminar flow airfoils exhibited superior stall characteristics. In addition, overall stability and control of the airplane closely matched Century’s empirical predictions.
According to Century’s vice president of engineering, Dale Ruhmel, engineers may have to fine tune the placement of the engine nacelles and pylons. Following these modifications, the Century Jet is expected to complete the second phase of wind-tunnel testing in January.
“Everything checks out very well,” said Ruhmel. “Personally, I’m pleased with both the results of the test and the quality of data produced by the Kirsten facility.” According to Ruhmel, although Century continually performs empirical and CFD analyses, wind-tunnel testing plays a critical role in the development of new aircraft. For a relatively low cost, wind tunnels provide precise measurements of the contribution of each aircraft component, as well as demonstrate the behavior of the entire airframe. Consequently, it would be a vital mistake to fly a new aircraft without first wind-tunnel testing the design.
The Century Jet is the world’s most affordable business jet with seating for six, high-speed cruise capabilities of 370 knots, a maximum range of 1,500 nm, a high-altitude capability of 45,000 feet and direct operating costs of $335 per hour. The first pre-production aircraft is expected to make its first flight in the third quarter of 2001 with the first delivery slated for 2003.
For more information regarding the Century Jet, visit Century’s Web site at www.centuryaero.com. Photographs of the wind-tunnel testing are available by contacting Don Coburn, or online at Century’s Web site.
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For more information, press only:
Don Coburn, Century Aerospace, (505)246-8200, donc@centuryaero.com
Katie Pargal, J. Patrick Moore & Partners, (612)837-8999, katie@jpmp.com
Gabrielle Twiest, J. Patrick Moore & Partners, (612) 837-8999, gabrielle@jpmp.com
website: http://www.centuryaero.com