When mockup development is completed, the fatigue test article will join the 23 other ground test articles that will be used during development and certification. Development test articles currently being utilized contribute to a rapid product development and mockup development schedule and increased aircraft maturity.

mockup development article

"The Sovereign team is actively working with our numerous test articles," stated Sovereign Program. "A couple of which include a systems integration mock-up and an autopilot/flight controls development article. The systems integration mockup provides us with the opportunity to finalize cable and wire routing, as well as work on accessibility, we also use it to determine the best location for access doors, avionics and electrical component boxes.

An autopilot/flight controls test article is being used for autopilot development work prior to flying the aircraft. Test articles provide invaluable information that addresses functionality, accessibility, maintainability and reliability at a very early stage in the development schedule." Cessna recently finalized the design and assembly of the engine cowling, inlet assembly, throttle quadrant and thrust reverser, which marked the completion of the Sovereign engine nacelle assembly which will be used on the flying test bed The finished engine nacelle assembly was shipped to mockup development where testing is scheduled to begin prior to yearend.

"We also recently completed the first round of hot weather testing of the Sovereign's environmental system," continued Thress. "We used the environmental test article, which is a full Sovereign fuselage and APU, to test the environmental system's ability to cool the cabin and cockpit on very hot days. The test demonstrated the benefits of the new design, and provided us with very positive results. Cold weather testing for mockup development will be conducted this winter."