JEKTA, the Swiss manufacturer of the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft, has begun flight tests with a 1:9 scale prototype of the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious seaplane. Using a distributed electric motor to draw power from onboard batteries, the tests will the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic configurations of the production aircraft. The remotely controlled model will generate data representative of the full-scale aircraft to and confirm the results of the computer modeling already completed.
Following the digital simulations, real-world testing is expected to provide valuable data on the aircraft’s performance during landing, taxiing and takeoff from water. To maximise the full potential of the flight tests, the 1:9 scale aerodynamic prototype will be used for initial verification work. Two amphibious seaplanes are being modified as proof-of-concept aircraft and will subsequently be used to validate the combined digital and real-world data. Specially designed ultra-lightweight test rigs will further reduce programme risk and detailed design modifications prior to construction of the full-scale prototype.
“After extensive testing and virtual simulations, our engineers are excited to begin flying the 1:9 prototype. The flight tests represent an important milestone in our journey to bring next-generation electric amphibious aircraft to operators around the world,” said CEO and co-founder George Alafinov. “Flying the scale models and modified ultralights brings JEKTA one step closer to flying a full-scale prototype of the PHA-ZE 100, confirming that we are on track with our plans to introduce our new aircraft into the global air transport network by 2030. The tests represent an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the progress to date and the future potential of the PHA-ZE 100 to investors and customers.”
Flight tests of the 1:9 prototype are currently underway at an undisclosed location and are scheduled for completion in September. The JEKTA team has already gained extensive experience in amphibious aircraft design through the production of more than 90 ultralight and twin-engine single-engine seaplanes. Alafinov adds: “We are drawing on years of experience in amphibious aircraft by basing our full-scale testbeds on ultralight aircraft designed by us. This experience means our customers can be confident that the PHA-ZE 100 has been built on solid foundations by engineers who understand how to successfully test the real-world application of amphibious aircraft design.”
The JEKTA PHA-ZE 100 already has more than $1 billion in future customer commitments and is scheduled to begin production at its Payerne facility in 2028/29.
JEKTA will participate in the Paris Air Show in the Swiss Pavilion, Hall 4, B63.
