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 SJ30 light jet offered impressive speed, range, and a unique sea-level cabin altitude, but struggled with sales and financial issues due to its outdated "steam-gauge" cockpit.
- SyberJet Aircraft, the new owners, have successfully completed the maiden flight of the updated SJ30i, initiating an 18-month certification program.
- The SJ30i retains the original's class-leading performance, including its speed, range, and lowest cabin altitude, while introducing a modern Honeywell Epic 2.0 glass cockpit and an all-new interior design.
- This modernization aims to revive the SJ30 series, equipping it with advanced avionics and design to compete in the current light jet market.
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