Spectrum S-33 Independence

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S-33 Independence
Type Very light jet
National origin United States
Manufacturer Spectrum Aeronautical
Maiden flight 2006
Number built 1

The Spectrum S-33, renamed Independence in late 2006, is a new Very Light Jet designed and built by Spectrum Aeronautical using a carbon fiber construction process that makes the airplane weigh about two thirds as much as a comparably sized aluminum frame airplane. 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 aluminum framed business aircraft. FAA and JAA Type Certifications of the S-33 Independence are estimated to be completed in 2009.

The aircraft will accommodate 5-6 passenger seats, a full-sized, private lavatory, a maximum take-off Weight of 7,300 lb. and a range of over 2000 miles. The retail sales price of the aircraft is $3.65 million (in 2006 dollars).

[edit] Accident

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]

[edit] Specifications

Data from {name of first source}

General characteristics

  • Crew: one, pilot
  • Capacity: 6-9 passengers
  • Length: 45 ft 11 in (13.99 m)
  • Wingspan: 43 ft 3 in (13.2 m)
  • Height: 10 ft 8 in (3.3 m)
  • Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,402 kg)
  • Powerplant:Williams FJ33-4 turbofan engines, 1,750 lbf (6.68 kN) each
  • * Interior Height: 5 ft 0 in (1.47 m)
  • Interior Width: 5 ft 0 in (1.47 m)
  • Interior Length (total): 18 ft (5.49 m)

Performance


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