When I first flew the original Swearingen SJ30 in San Antonio more than a decade ago, I was impressed with the light jet’s rocketlike performance. Jets with cruise speeds of nearly 500 knots true and a maximum range of 2,500 nm were and still are rare. The original SJ30’s ability to hold its cabin at sea level sea up to 41,000 feet also made the airplane a winner. The jet’s designer, Ed Swearingen, gained fame 40 years ago with a line of tough, fast Merlin and the regional Metroliner turboprops with a design philosophy–large wings and big engines are not always the better answer–at the heart of the light jet. Actor Morgan Freeman signed up as an early owner of one of the single-pilot certified jets.
SyberJet SJ30i Completes Its First Test Flight
Key Takeaways:
- The original Swearingen SJ30 was praised for its exceptional performance, including high speed, long range, and low cabin altitude, but was hindered by an outdated cockpit and financial difficulties.
- SyberJet Aircraft has revived the series with the SJ30i, which recently completed its maiden flight and initiated an 18-month certification program.
- The new SJ30i retains the original jet's impressive performance while dramatically upgrading its cockpit to a modern glass system (Honeywell Epic 2.0) and featuring an all-new interior design, positioning it as a leading light jet.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
