Stratos Aircraft of Redmond, Oregon, has successfully completed the first flight test phase of its Stratos 714 single-engine personal jet. In logging 52 hours and 33 flights, the Stratos 714 was flown at weights up to 8,300 lb across a range of center-of-gravity positions.
The aircraft performed as expected. During the initial flight program, the aircraft was flown to 320kts true air speed and up to an altitude of 17,000ft with only minor modifications. The company test pilot reported good handling with the side-stick controls and was impressed with takeoff and climb performance.
Following the tests, the FAA removed the initial flight limitations and the aircraft is now able to pursue more advanced research and development (R&D) along with marketing survey activity. “We are extremely pleased with the progress we’ve made up to this point,” said Michael Lemaire, CEO of Stratos Aircraft. “We haven’t encountered anything that would require a major change in the design.”
The aircraft is scheduled for upholstery and painting prior to its public debut at the EAA AirVenture Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24-30, 2017, where it will be on display at the Boeing Plaza. Stratos will also host an indoor exhibit in booth 314. On its return from Oshkosh, the Stratos 714 will continue flight testing before being exhibited again at the NBAA Convention in Las Vegas.
The Stratos 714 is a personal jet with a luxury cabin, cruise speed of 400kts, and a range of 1,500nm with 4 occupants. With that performance, the aircraft could fly from Seattle to Miami in 7 hours with just one stop.
The company is not taking deposits until closer to certification. However, it is recording expressions of interest.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 turbofan engine with 2,900 lb (12.9kN) take-off thrust, the Stratos 714 is 35.8ft (10.9m) in length, 9.8ft (3.0m) in height, with a wingspan of 40.5ft (12.3m). Cabin volume is 160ft3 (4.5m3).