Phase 1 testing
Flights and testing are ongoing. I’m fixing hidden bugs as they show up, but every bug fixed is one less problem in the future. We flew again and have some more time on the plane. We found a tiny pinhole leak in a bleed air line. Naturally it was in the worst place, but after removal of the line, it was easy to weld up to standards. Back together now and engine starts show no problems.
Some photos of bird last time out.
On the way out. Power steering makes taxiing easy.
Thrust attenuators and belly brake are very effective
Nose profile. Plan is to use only two underwing fuel tanks. Nice to have extra fuel but there is a drag penalty to be paid, too.