Excel-Jet of Colorado Springs has flown its four-seat Sport-Jet for the first time.
The aircraft is intended to bring jet performance to the general aviation market and Excel-Jet says it is aiming for a price of "about $1 million".
Source: Excel-Jet
Designer Bob Bornhofen says in a statement that take-off rolls even at the 6,000ft high Colorado Springs airport have been "less than 1,800ft".
He reports that the aircraft gets airborne at around 70kt and climbs at nearly 2,000fpm even though the two Williams FJ33-4A engines have yet to be pushed to full power.
On approach the aircraft crosses the threshold at about 80kt and touches down around 75kt. It is intended to be operated by single pilots used to piston-powered aircraft. More pictures are shown below.
Source: Flight International
