Spectrum S-33 Independence

Maximum speed: 415 kts (768 km/hr)
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13716 m)
Range: 1600-2000 nm (2960-3700 km)

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Spectrum S-33 Independence VLJ

The Spectrum S-33, renamed Independence in late 2006, is a new Very Light Jet designed and built by Spectrum Aeronautical, LLC using a revolutionary graphite-epoxy construction process that gives the aircraft essentially the same size cabin as popular 8-9 seat light business jets, at less than two-thirds the weight. The aircraft is designed to cruise at 45,000 ft. at speeds up to 415 knots (Mach 0.72) and fly as far as 2000 nm (3700 km) while using about half the fuel of comparably sized traditional business aircraft. FAA and JAA Type Certifications of the S-33 Independence are estimated for 2009.

The aircraft will accommodate 5-6 passenger seats, a full-sized, private lavatory, a maximum take-off Weight of 7,300 lbs. and a 2000+-mile range. Comparisons of the S-33 Independence with traditional business jets of similar cabin size and other VLJs quickly point to the revolutionary relationship between characteristics and financials of the aircraft. The retail sales price of the aircraft is $3.65m (in 2006 dollars).

1 Incident
2 Specifications
- 2.1 General characteristics
- 2.2 Performance**
3 References
4 External links
5 Related development

[edit] Incident

The only completed S-33, registration N322LA, crashed in a test flight July 25, 2006 in Spanish Fork, Utah, killing the two test pilots aboard, Glenn Maben and Nathan Forrest. The aircraft rolled right immediately after takeoff, reaching a 90 degree angle before the wingtip struck the ground. The preliminary NTSB report revealed that the control linkage had been connected backwards during maintenance after the previous flight, resulting in opposite control output (a left roll input on the control stick resulting in the aircraft rolling right).^[1]