FIRST OPERATIONS WITH DE HAVILLAND'S EXECUTIVE JET
The third D.H.I25 ‘mini-liner' is shortly to go into service with Bristol Siddeley Engines on an intensive certification programme for the Viper 20 engine. Bristol Siddeley's plans for the 125 are described here by G. R. WRIXON
BRISTOL SIDDELEY ENGINES will shortly be taking delivery of the third D.H.125 twin turbojet business aircraft G-ARYC. It will be engaged on intensive flying leading to certification of the Viper 20 engines. This will take the form of simulated business journeys, 40 per cent of which are planned to take it into Europe.
After a short period of up to 20 hours with a strain-gauged engine, the company intends to fly the aeroplane extensively and to cover the first 500 hours quickly as possible. The programme is aimed at increasing the overhaul life of the Viper so that it can be offered to the first customers with a TBO of at least 500 hours.
Both the first and second aeroplanes under test by de Havilland are fully instrumented and are being used for engine performance and handling trials. Bristol Siddeley's aeroplane will be fully furnished with six passenger seats and a toilet. Experimental instrumentation wiII be limited to the strain-ga…