Private Jet Review
Premier 1
Raytheon’s goal in designing the Premier 1 was to create a high-performing private jet with minimal acquisition and operating costs. They began achieving their goal by using the fully-automated “Viper” manufacturing system and new design software. But just because they cut back manufacturing costs doesn’t mean they cut back on quality.
To begin with, the Premier 1’s cabin is one of the biggest for a private jet of its size, seating six or seven passengers in a 320 cubic-foot cabin. The cabin is very well-insulated due to the carbon fiber/epoxy honeycomb composite fuselage. Fold-out tables on both sides of the aircraft and fully adjustable, extra-wide seats make for a comfortable flight. Additional options include a B&D five-panel cabin display, an array of cabin entertainment systems, and interior trim/finish upgrades. There is 77 cubic feet of baggage space available in internal and external baggage compartments, and the external baggage compartments can be heated, if desired.
The Premier 1 can take off in 3,792 feet and climb to 37,000 feet in seventeen minutes when loaded to its maximum takeoff capacity of 12,500 feet. Its cruise speeds can reach 461 ktas (.785 Mach). Its maximum range is 1,726 miles (1,500 nautical miles).
The swept wings on the Premier 1 are an original design from Raytheon. Their unique design minimizes drag and increases cruise speed and high altitude capabilities. Although the wing was enlarged to add an additional 250 pounds of fuel than was originally planned, the Premier 1 still manages a short enough takeoff distance to be able to utilize small airports.
The Premier 1 is powered by two Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-2A engines, which provide 2,300 pounds of thrust on take off apiece. They are controlled by an electronic control unit that is linked to a hydromechanical fuel control system mounted on the engine. Manual control, although not usually utilized, can be used in emergencies.
The computer-controlled manufacture line (known as the “Viper process”) that was used in the production of the Premier 1 is a big reason for its low acquisition cost. Computer aided three-dimensional interactive analysis (CATIA) simulations analyzed structural models and system design of the jet to optimize its performance, reliability, and cut down production time and costs.
The fuselage of the Premier 1 is made of a high-strength carbon fiber/epoxy honeycomb composite. It is lightweight, simple to manufacture, and almost never needs repairs. The thinness of the fuselage is the reason for the cabin’s spaciousness.
Cabin pressurization is automatically regulated by a digital system that uses engine bleed air. The two-zone cabin environmental system also uses bleed air for heating and one of two separate generators for cooling. Cabin pressure can be automatically or manually controlled and is rated to a maximum of 8.4 psi.
The Premier 1 is the first private business jet to use the electromagnetic expulsive deicing system (EMED) on the horizontal stabilizer. It produces electromagnetic waves across the surface of the metal which breaks the ice off. Deicing systems for the rest of the jet use engine bleed air.
The landing gear is controlled electronically and utilizes a hydraulically actuated gear and a free-fall landing gear for emergencies. An electronic anti-skid brake system is included, powered by two hydraulic engine pumps. These two engine-controlled pumps also control the landing gear, spoilers, and parts of the anti-ice system.
One of the main design objectives for the Premier 1 was to create a private jet that was uncomplicated and easy to operate, resulting in a jet that can be operated by a single pilot. The fully integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, designed specifically for the Premier 1, consolidates displays and functions to make the pilot’s job easier and to increase situational awareness. Two large-format 8x11 inch flat panel color LCD screens, one primary flight display and one multifunctional display, dominate the control panel. New LCD technology allows the pilots to see the screens clearly, regardless of the lighting in the cabin or the angle of viewing.
The fully integrated flight management system not only makes the pilot’s job easier, it ensures optimal system performance. The components of the avionics system – dual air data computers, ADF and DME radio, sold-state WXR-800 weather radar, and integral satellite-based GPS, to name a few – maximize situational awareness and make for a safe, uneventful private jet flight.
