The Rockwell Collins-equipped Phase 1 400NEXT aircraft from Nextant Aerospace completed its first flight, Nextant announced last Thursday. The flight, which took place Feb. 25, completed the aircraft’s transition from experimental to production aircraft, Nextan said.
Equipment on the Phase 1 400NEXT aircraft, N401NX, included Aircell Axxess cabin communications system and ATG 4000 High Speed Internet and Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system and Pro Line 21 flight deck. The Phase 1 aircraft has the the Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 engines; Phase 2 will be the installation of the Williams FJ44-3AP engines once that certification is complete, Nextant said.
According to Nextant, the Phase 1 aircraft is certified and flying. Phase 2 certification is underway and is on schedule to be certified in the 2nd quarter of 2011. Customer delivers on Phase 1 can be secured now and Phase 2 delivers will begin shortly after the certification is completed.
"We were extremely happy with the outcome of the Phase 1 first flight," said James Miller, president of Nextant Aerospace.