Stratos Aircraft has successfully completed the first flight test phase of its Stratos 714 single-engine personal jet. Across 52 hours and 33 flights, the Stratos 714 was flown at weights up to 8,300 lb, over a range of center-of-gravity positions.
During the initial flight program, the aircraft was flown to 320KTAS and up to an altitude of 17,000ft, with only minor modifications. The aircraft performed as expected and the company test pilot reported good handling with the side-stick controls and was impressed with take-off and climb performance.
Following the tests, the FAA removed the initial flight limitations and the aircraft is now able to pursue more advanced 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, on July 24-30. On its return from Oshkosh, the Stratos 714 will continue flight testing.
The Stratos 714 is a personal jet with a cruising speed of 400kts and a range of 1500 miles.
May 30, 2017