The speedy Gulfstream G650 and Cessna Citation X might have to get out of the way of this one: A U.S. startup firm has launched a tandem, two-seat “luxury” jet called the Saker S-1 that it says would be the fastest private civilian airplane ever with a top speed of Mach 0.99.
Saker Aircraft says its design is inspired by military fighter jets to appeal to buyers who want a personal jet capable of operating from short runways and flying high and fast in style. The S-1 is being designed to operate from runways as short as 1,500 feet and climb at 14,000 feet per minute to a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Maximum range using a pair of Williams FJ44-4 turbofans and internal 500 gallon fuel tank is targeted at 1,390 nm. Two external 100-gallon tanks could increase range to nearly 2,000 nm, Saker says.
