My cabin is a Citation CJ2; my performance is a CJ3; my
looks are a Learjet; my basic materials are from a Boeing 787 Dreamliner; my
ruggedness is like a Caravan; my landing speed is the same as a King Air's; my
economy is straight from Eclipse. What am I?
This riddle formed the foundation of a convention
presentation by Linden S. Blue, whose position as CEO and chairman of Spectrum
Aeronautical LLC (Booth 1672) makes it inevitable that the subject was none
other than the previously unheard-of Spectrum 33 twin-jet. Developed in
secrecy, the aircraft was finally unveiled on Wednesday when photographs of the
almost-complete prototype were released.
The Spectrum 33 derives this remarkable mixture of desirable
characteristics from innovative design and rigorous weight control, made
possible by carbon fiber construction. Compared with its metal equivalent, the
same-size Citation CJ2, the Spectrum weighs half as much, burns half the fuel
(466 lbs/hour, versus 1,068 lbs), and costs $3.65 million, not $5.6 million.
Apparently spotting some incredulous expressions on the
faces of delegates when they were shown a fuselage shell labeled "309 pounds,"
Blue declared, "If you've got some scales, weigh it if you want!"
A potential nine-seater with T-tail and a pair of Williams
FJ33 turbofans, the Spectrum 33 offers 400-plus kts and a range of up to 2,000
nmi at 45,000 ft, plus a docile approach at a mere 85 kts. Certification is due
in 2007 or 2008.
