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The Avionics Engineering Center’s Piper Saratoga (N8238C) is a single engine, low-wing aircraft, which can seat up to six occupants. It is an excellent research platform due to its large cabin size and useful load.

Specifications

• Type: High performance single engine pistonPiper Saratoga
• Year: 1980
• Engine: Lycoming IO-540, 300HP
• Seats: 6 including pilot
• Dimensions: Wingspan 36'2", Length 27'8", Height 8'2"
• Maximum takeoff weight: 3600 Lbs.
• Fuel capacity: 107 gallons
• Maximum speed: 227 mph.
• Cruise speed: 159 mph. at 8000' and 65% power
• Maximum altitude: ≈15,000'
• Maximum range: ≈900 nautical miles at 65% power

Research equipment/capabilities

• Equipment rack: 19" wide, 31.5" high, 23" deep
• Electrical power available:
  • 50A @ 14VDC (power source for equipment and converters/inverters)
  • 2.14A @ 115VAC, 60Hz
  • 20A & 28VDC

Research antennas available

• Antcom G5Ant-3AT1 L1/L2 GPS, Glonass, OmniStar
• King KA-60 DME/Transponder (top and bottom of aircraft)
• AeroAntenna Technology AT130-1 UAT
• Dorne & Margolin DMN48-1 VOR/LOC
• VHF Com
• Comant CI-310-22 L-Band/UHF
• Additional 6.25"x5.75" research antenna patch panel on bottom of aircraft

The Saratoga has been used in many different AEC research missions

• Microwave Landing System (MLS) / Mobile Microwave Landing System (MMLS) Tests
• Approach guidance and Curved approaches
• Curved missed-approach and departure evaluation flight tests
• MLS/ILS/GPS simultaneous data collection/characterization flights (ACY)
• Sector DME demonstration flight tests
• Low-power DME evaluation flight tests
• Safe-Flight 21 - ADS-B demonstration support and flight tests
• Oshkosh AirVenture - ADS-B target aircraft for Safe Flight 21/ UPS display
• Runway Incursion Reduction Program – flight and ground test aircraft
• LAAS DGPS VHF Data Broadcast measurement
• P-static testing for Loran-C navigation systems