ARCA completed the cabin structure of IAR 111 Excelsior supersonic aircraft, platform intended for the launch of Haas 2 rocket, in the Google Lunar X Prize Competition.
The airplane cabin is made of composite materials, weights 500 kg fully equipped for flight and has a two-person crew (pilot and navigator), prepared in tandem.
Cabin is ejected when necessary and is equipped with two rocket powered parachutes. ARCA will soon carry out Mission 6, the cabin drop test of IAR 111.
“Making the cabin structure of IAR 111 Excelsior is an important moment for the team and for its partners. The cabin is one of the most difficult to achieve in all aircraft. In the next period, the cabin will be subject of intensive ground and flight tests, pressure test, mechanical overload and vibration tests. After completing these tests, the cabin will be equipped with avionics and systems” Dumitru Popescu – ARCA Chairman.
IAR 111 Excelsior supersonic airplane is made exclusively with private sources, with support from our partners: BRD – Groupe Societe Generale, Calor, AGI, Lexgrup.
The first test flight of the supersonic aircraft is scheduled for autumn 2012.