Even In Tough Times, The VLJ/VLPJ Revolution Continues

Yes, the economy sucks... but when it REALLY starts to recover, the need for solid cost-effective transportation will be more important than ever. That's one of the reasons why the brain trust behind the Stratos Aircraft program haven;'t given up the ghost... they know 'their time' is coming. And that's the reason that ANN spent a few minutes with them to see how the program was progressing...

Based in Bend, OR, Stratos Aircraft bills itself as "a new aerospace company dedicated to the design, certification, manufacture and marketing of the Stratos 714. Stratos Aircraft is singularly focused on building an aircraft for one specific performance quadrant of the turbine market. The management team behind the Stratos 714 consists of successful entrepreneurs, financial planners, and experienced engineers. As we evolve we will continue to engage industry experts through every phase of design, manufacturing, and certification."

The Stratos 714 jet is designed to meet the needs of a growing number of performance-driven aviators 'who demand more speed range, and luxury in an owner-flown turbojet.' The 714 was first introduced last year and is the first 'VLPJ' designed to bridge the performance gap between VLJ aircraft and full size business jets.

Stratos claims that the aircraft is a clean-sheet carbon composite design, optimized to achieve cruise speeds of more than 400 knots, with a 1500 nautical mile range (NBAA IFR reserves), with 4 people seated comfortably and ample baggage storage.

Reportedly, a leading aerodynamics company has validated the primary performance targets of the Stratos 714 confirming their mission of 400 knots, 1500 miles, 4 passengers.

FMI: www.stratosaircraft.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews