Prototype Still In The Works
Aviation Technology Group (ATG) –owner of the hottest looking mock-up in town — says it expects to roll out and fly its two-seat, twin-engine Javelin Jet prototype in the first quarter of this year. “Not long after, we will host an event where the Javelin will break records in the VLJ [very-light jet] category,” CEO George Bye said mysteriously, in a recent company update. “This is a very exciting time … and it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come.” ATG has been building up its high-level staff, hiring former Cessna president Charlie Johnson to oversee manufacturing and flight ops, and also adding Horst Bergmann, former Jeppesen president, as right-hand-man to Bye. The company also announced late last year it has entered an agreement with Israel Aircraft Industries for the design, development and manufacture of an Advanced Jet Trainer for military use, based on the Javelin Jet design. ATG is planning to promote its jet abroad this year, exhibiting in Geneva and Paris as well as hitting EAA AirVenture in July, the Reno Air Races in September and the AOPA and NBAA conventions in November. ATG says it has more than 90 orders for the $2.5-million jet, and expects to start deliveries of FAA-certified Javelins in 2007. The aerobatic jet would make 528 knots, climb at 12,000 fpm and cruise at up to 45,000 feet, ATG says. ATG, based in Englewood, Colo., is planning a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, N.M.
