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 a high-performance light jet known for its speed, range, and unique sea-level cabin altitude, but it faced challenges due to an outdated cockpit and financial turmoil.
- SyberJet Aircraft, the new owners, have successfully completed the maiden flight of the updated SJ30i, beginning an 18-month certification test program.
- The new SJ30i retains the original jet's superior performance as the fastest and longest-range light jet, while featuring a modern Honeywell Epic 2.0 glass cockpit, an all-new interior design, and the lowest cabin altitude of any business jet.
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