Falcomposite Furio Development on Track

New Zealand company Falcomposite has successfully completed the static test programme on the airframe structure of its Furio aircraft. The airframe was tested to maximum load in the Utility and Aerobatic Categories.

During the test, Falcomposite simulated the maximum load on the wing under torsion with full deflection of the aileron.

For Falcomposite, this was an important milestone as it proved the validity of the approach taken by the company in the design and construction of the Furio—all carbon with the minimum number of parts; the main airframe comprises only 10 parts.

Falcomposite is on track to begin the final assembly of the already completed mechanical components and systems into the airframe according to schedule, and the first flight of a Furio is forecast to take place before the end of the year or in early 2008.