“Next Generation” Personal Jets In The Works

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Key Takeaways:

  • Maverick Jet announced plans for two new very light jet (VLJ) aircraft: the single-engine experimental Solo Jet and the twin-engine certified SmartJet.
  • The Solo Jet, priced at $1.25 million, features a single Pratt & Whitney engine, 472 knots speed at 31,000 feet, five seats, and an optional full-airplane parachute.
  • The SmartJet is an "economy" version targeting $899,000, offering 290 knots at 22,000 feet with half the operating cost, and will be a certified twin-engine, five-seat aircraft.
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It may seem strange that when a very light jet has made it to FAA certification for the very first time this week, so many people already are working on “next-generation” designs, but that’s what AirVenture is all about — the spirit of innovation. Maverick Jet, which had an experimental VLJ flying back in 1999, this week said it will build two new jet aircraft – the single-engine Solo Jet, which they say will fly 472 knots at 31,000 feet, and an “economy” version, the twin-engine SmartJet, which will go 290 knots at 22,000 feet, at half the operating cost. Both will have five seats. Target prices are $899,000 for the SmartJet, which will be certified, and $1.25 million for the single-engine experimental Solo Jet, which offers an optional BRS full-airplane parachute. The company wasn’t saying yet what kind of engines the Smart Jet will use, but the Solo Jet will have a single Pratt & Whitney.

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