Piper Aircraft Inc. has selected respected aircraft seat provider Millennium Concepts, Inc. to design and produce seats for the aircraft manufacturer's new very light jet, the PiperJet. Millennium and Piper jointly announced the development today.

Piper Aircraft President and CEO Geoffrey Berger said, "We are impressed with Millennium's customer focus, commitment to excellence and quality workmanship in addition to its design work to integrate these modern seats into our exceptionally styled and spacious interior. The combination meets our superior standards and we are delighted to have them join the PiperJet team.''

Withstand 30G Loads

The seat, which meets the latest government regulations, has been undergoing extensive testing, said Kevin Reifschneider, Millennium's president and managing director.

"This testing has demonstrated that it is one of the safest and most reliable seats available for this class of aircraft," Reifschneider said. "In fact, it has been shown to withstand loads of up to 30 times the force of gravity -- 30Gs." In tests conducted at the National Institute for Aviation Research, the seat performed exceptionally well and exceeded Federal Aviation Administration performance criteria.

"We've incorporated lighter materials, injection molding and high-precision CNC-based manufacturing techniques in the production of this seat, as opposed to traditional welded frame design using steel, which is generally heavier and less efficient," Reifschneider said. "We are extremely pleased and honored to be a part of this exciting new airplane from Piper."

Lighter Weight

The new lighter weight seats, ergonomically designed to provide safety and support, are equipped with adjustable headrests, a break-over seat back and can be reclined for additional comfort. The passenger seat will include a 3-point restraint system. The crew version of the seat adds a dual harness torso restraint system, adjustable height, floor tracking and lumbar support. Both seats have discrete energy-absorbers in the seat pan and feature bolsters around the torso and thighs for maximum support.

The single-engine PiperJet will provide cabin seating for up to seven individuals with an interior that integrates a sophisticated color palette into a spacious, energetic design. Its elegant features include rich leather seats, deep zebrawood details, rich fabrics and trim to perfectly placed storage, cup holders and docking stations for personal electronics. It is designed to be equally attentive to pilot and passenger comfort and needs, reducing workload and increasing ease of operation.