Despite the crash of its Spectrum 33 prototype in late July, Spectrum Aeronautical has not only vowed to continue the aircraft program but yesterday revealed it also is developing a new midsize business twinjet called the Freedom S-40. The 2,050-pound-thrust GE Honda HF120, a derivative of the HondaJets HF118 engine, will power the all-composite midsize jet. The Freedom is Spectrums second model and is considerably larger than the $3.65 million Spectrum 33, which has been rebranded as the Independence S-33.
According to the Cardiff By The Sea, Calif.-based company, the $6.2 million Freedom will be able to fly at FL450, cruise at 435 knots and fly 2,200 nm, while only modestly sipping fuel. Other specifications include a 10,000-pound max takeoff weight, 4,500-pound empty weight and 5,000-pound useful load. The 10-seat Spectrum Freedom is scheduled to begin flight trials in mid-2009, with certification and deliveries planned for 2010. Meanwhile, Spectrum said its Independence S-33 is on track for FAA approval in mid-2008. A conforming example of the S-33 is expected to fly in August next year.
Spectrum’s Independence Leads to Freedom
Key Takeaways:
- Spectrum Aeronautical is proceeding with its aircraft program despite a prototype crash, rebranding the Spectrum 33 as the Independence S-33 and targeting FAA approval by mid-2008.
- The company unveiled a new, larger midsize business twinjet called the Freedom S-40, an all-composite, 10-seat aircraft powered by GE Honda HF120 engines.
- The $6.2 million Freedom S-40 is designed for a 2,200 nm range and 435 knots cruise speed, with flight trials planned for mid-2009 and certification/deliveries by 2010.
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