Twin-Engine VLJs
Single-Engine VLJs
Spectrum Aeronautical Goes Fast Forward |
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 "Spectrum is enhancing the capabilities of the S-33 Independence through continued design refinement and the application of newly available technologies. The company recently decided to use the Williams International FJ33-4A-19 engine instead of the previously planned FJ33-4A-15. This will give the jet a substantial step up in both thrust and efficiency. Blue said, “The Independence already had the highest thrust to weight ratio of any business jet, and now it’s even better. Also, the -19 incorporates Williams’ latest technology, so with the additional thrust it has even better fuel specifics.”
Technorati Tags: very light jets, very light jet, microjets, personal jets, air taxi, air-taxis, air cab |
Concurrently in development with the company’s S-33 Independence very light jet is the larger S-40 Freedom, which provides a stand-up cabin with a maximum diameter of about six-feet and speeds up to Mach 0.77. Spectrum is taking full advantage of opportunities in the development of the Freedom, which has been gaining a great deal of momentum over the past year. Austin Blue, Spectrum’s President, explained, “We’ve made the decision to accelerate the Freedom’s development and move its anticipated TC schedule up by about a year. To do this requires a shift in priorities, making the Freedom our primary focus for the time being.” Prior to this, the company had targeted type certification for the Independence in 2009, followed closely by the Freedom in 2010. “In essence,” he said, “we’re pulling the S-40 up to 2009 so an advanced version of the S-33 can follow shortly after it in 2010, rather than vice-versa.”
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Note: Do not make purchase decisions based on the information above. Contact the manufacturers directly.
There are several additional Very Light Jet projects in various stages of development. Very Light Jet Magazine will report on them as information becomes available.
VLJ Views
The Very Light Jet era has arrived with several aircraft manufacturers in the competition! What exactly is a VLJ? These new planes have also been known as microjets and personal jets. The name Very Light Jets, or VLJs, is now official!
The NBAA Training Guidelines for Single Pilot Operations of Very Light Jets and Technically Advanced Aircraft defines Very Light Jet as: "Jet aircraft weighing 10,000 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight and certificated for single pilot operations. These aircraft will possess at least some of the following features: (1) advanced cockpit automation, such as moving map GPS and multi-function displays; (2) automated engine and systems management; and (3) integrated autoflight, autopilot and flight-guidance systems."
What's in it for us? Very Light Jet travel technology offers us a revolution in the way we travel for business and pleasure. The price of these sleek rockets is from $1.0M to $3.0 million and change, placing them well within the reach of many businesses and individuals.
Very Light Jets can operate from shorter runways than commercial airliners and this means that they can utilize the 5000+ satellite airports around the US.
Our days of having to endure the obsolete hub-and-spoke system to get anywhere by plane may finally be numbered. Affordable jet ownership and private jet charter is soon to be available to a massive number of travelers!
