Aerostar Arrives at AirVenture with a Jet

Isabel Goyer

Friday, July 29, 2011 at 02:07 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Aerostar Aircraft Corporation publicly debuted a Pratt & Whitney PW615-powered 601P Aerostar jet modification at AirVenture, which is currently undergoing early flight testing.
Despite being a work in progress with incomplete systems, the aircraft is already demonstrating impressive speeds, reaching around 380 knots true at 28,000 feet, with expectations of exceeding 400 knots at its optimal altitude of 35,000 feet.
The jet modification continues a long-held vision by the original designer, with Aerostar's team rebuilding the airframe to accommodate the jet engines.
Aerostar is exploring commercialization options, potentially offering the modification as a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for approximately $1.5 million plus airframe, or as a fully certified product requiring an equity partner.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Aerostar Aircraft Corporation showed up on Tuesday at AirVenture with a Pratt & Whitney PW615-powered 601P Aerostar modification. It was the first public showing of the airplane, which is undergoing early flight test and configuration.

The airplane is a work in progress in many respects. There are no boots on it yet. The pressurization system has yet to be fully tested above the Aerostar’s ceiling. The avionics are a mix of old, new and and not ready for prime-time devices. The fuel system is not yet finished.