A new all-composite light jet was unveiled today by Spectrum Aeronautics, a start-up company headed by former Beech chairman Linden Blue. A prototype of the Spectrum 33, powered by two Williams FJ33 turbofans, is nearing completion and will fly soon, the company says.
Encenitas, California-based Spectrum has been developing the aircraft in secret for some time, at an undisclosed location in Utah. Certification is planned for 2007-8, but the company is keeping the exact schedule, and details of its financing, under wraps for now.
Mark Jones, vice-president business development and program manager, says the Spectrum 33 is in the Cessna Citation CJ2 size class, seating a single pilot and six to nine passengers, but offers higher performance on smaller engines because of its lighter composite airframe.
Maximum speed is quoted as 415kt (765km/h) and range as 2,000nm (3,600km) at a 7,300lb (3,310kg) gross weight. This compares with 1,580nm for the 12,500lb CJ2+, which is powered by Williams FJ44 turbofans. “The aircraft can climb from sea level to 45,000ft in 20min,” says Jones.
Source: Flight Daily News
