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Business Air News Bulletin
Business Air News Bulletin

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Stratos Aircraft Inc.

Stratos 716

Press Release

Issued by Stratos Aircraft Inc..

November 30, 2016

Stratos 714 completes inaugural flight

The inaugural flight of the Stratos 714 very light jet (VLJ) was completed successfully on November 21, 2016. With Dave Morss at the controls, the four seat, personal jet aircraft was launched for a ten-minute flight. The purpose of the first flight was to verify general stability and systems operation. This flight's maximum speed was limited to 128 knots at an altitude of 3,700' AGL with the flaps at 24 degrees and the gear extended for the duration. Morss was satisfied with the overall handling and provided the development team with useful feedback.

Stratos will continue with a vigorous flight test program to explore the aircraft's flight envelope with expectations of achieving a cruise speed of over 400 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. With that kind of performance, the aircraft can fly from Miami to Seattle in about seven hours with just one stop.

“After years of development, the first flight was a very exciting event for the whole team” said Michael Lemaire, CEO of Stratos Aircraft. “We invested the time and effort in the initial design and construction phases to assure that this proof of concept aircraft would ease the path to certification. After flight testing is complete, we will pursue a type certificate. We could shave off a considerable amount of certification time and start producing finished aircraft with additional investment, of course.”

Kevin Jordan, chief sales officer adds: “At this time, we are not taking deposits or orders but we have made it possible for interested parties to register on our website for airplane availability updates and investment opportunities.”

Stratos is planning a product introduction at EAA's AirVenture 2017. “We believe that the Stratos 714 will provide a very efficient and fast ride for the owner/operator who wants to transport his family, several friends or colleagues in comfort at flight level 410,” said Carsten Sundin, the CTO.