Polish company Flaris has surprised the aviation world by introducing the prototype of an unannounced five-seat jet at the Paris Air Show this week.
In what is a clear throw-back to the very light jet (VLJ) concept, the LAR-1 is a single-engined jet designed for personal transport with a target price of $US1.5 million.
The prototype has already completed low-speed taxy tests with the high-speed test due shortly. The company is aiming for the first flight by the end of the year and FAR 23 certification by 2015.
Of all composite construction, the LAR-1 is futuristic in design and with several unique features including a ballistic parachute system in the nose and detachable wings.
The aircraft at Paris is fitted with a Pratt & Whitney 610F engine giving 1460 lb of thrust, but the company expects to offer customers options for the 615F, Williams or Price Induction engine as well.
Behind the LAR-1 is Flaris' parent company Metal Masters, which is thought to be funding the project purely from cash flow.
For more information on this ambitious aircraft, see the Flaris website here.
Target Specifications LAR-1
- Max cruise speed: 380 KTAS
- Range: 1350 nm
- MTOW: 1500 kg
- BEW: 700 kg
- Avionics: Garmin 600