Stratos Aircraft has completed the maiden flight of its Stratos 714 VLJ. With pilot Dave Morss at the controls, the four-seat personal jet performed a ten-minute flight in order to verify general stability and systems operation. This flight’s maximum speed was limited to 128 kts at an altitude of 3,700 ft with the flaps at 24 degrees and the gear extended for the duration.

Over the course of the 714’s flight test programme it is anticipated that the aircraft will achieve a cruise speed of over 400 kts and a range of 1,500 nm.

“After years of development, the first flight was a very exciting event for the whole team,” comments CEO Michael Lemaire. “We invested the time and effort in the initial design and construction phases to assure that this proof of concept aircraft would ease the path to certification. After flight testing is complete, we will pursue a type certificate. We could shave off a considerable amount of certification time and start producing finished aircraft with additional investment.”

Adds chief sales officer Kevin Jordan: “At this time, we are not taking deposits or orders but we have made it possible for interested parties to register on our website for availability updates and investment opportunities.”