 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The SJ30 Jet Crosses the Atlantic Ocean Setting Several Speed and Range Records
San Antonio, Texas, USA – July 18, 2006 – Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corporation (“SSAC”) announced today that the SJ30 light jet has unofficially redefined the performance standard for the light jet market. Until the introduction of the SJ30, light jets have not been deemed capable of intercontinental travel, lacking the range and speed to make such trips. A recent flight by the SJ30 will change that perception.
On July 15, 2006 the SJ30 flew non-stop from San Antonio, Texas to Goose Bay, Canada, made a quick refueling stop, and then continued non-stop from Goose Bay to the Farnborough air show in Farnborough, England. There was one stop from deep inside the United States to just south of London, England. During this flight, several speed and range records were established, including fastest time from San Antonio to Goose Bay and from San Antonio to Farnborough. This flight was observed under official and strict conditions measured by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the results of which will be available and official within one month.
This event marks the first time a light jet has crossed the Atlantic Ocean non-stop from Goose Bay to Farnborough, England. From the SJ30’s takeoff in San Antonio, Texas to touchdown in Farnborough, England, total air miles traveled were 4,600 nautical miles. Total flight time was 10 hours and 24 minutes. For maximum efficiency, the pilots reduced engine thrust to cruise at .76 Mach, with an average ground speed for the flight of 442 knots. Altitudes for the long-range trip varied between 41,000 and 47,000 feet, but with the SJ30’s cabin pressurization differential of 12 PSI, the occupants on-board were never subjected to cabin altitudes greater than 1,000 feet.
Total flight time for the 2,230 nautical mile trip from San Antonio, Texas to Goose Bay, Canada was 5 hours. Landing at Goose Bay, the SJ30 still contained a 1.5 hour fuel reserve. Total flight time for the 2,370 nautical mile final leg of the trip from Goose Bay to Farnborough was 5 hours and 24 minutes, landing with a one hour fuel reserve.
At cruise altitudes, both engines combined consumed fuel at a rate of 675 pounds per hour, or 100 US gallons per hour. The aircraft used a total of 8,300 pounds, or 1,230 US gallons of fuel for the entire trip. The flight is even more remarkable considering the lack of assistance from winds and temperature. The winds were relatively calm at the altitudes traveled and the temperatures aloft were higher than standard. The actual route taken over the Atlantic Ocean was also 200 nautical miles greater than desired due to the lack of an HF radio installation.
Dr. Ching Kuo, Chairman and CEO of SSAC, commented, “When the SJ30 was envisioned, we knew its greatest strength would someday be the ability to fly very long distances in short amounts of time at unequalled levels of fuel efficiency. In addition, the performance would be at a level of cabin comfort never before available in a light jet. This trip from our home offices in San Antonio, Texas to Farnborough, England fulfills our vision. Imagine a light jet capable of delivering passengers from almost anywhere inside the USA to Europe in ten and a half hours, with only one fuel stop required. This is clearly disruptive technology, that will redefine the market for light jets. ”
John Siemens, SSAC’s Senior Manager of Flight Operations and pilot in command on the flight, elaborated, “I’ve flown many international trips before in other business jets, but never have I arrived as relaxed and less fatigued as I did on this trip. I can’t say enough great things about the SJ30’s 12 PSI cabin pressurization differential. There is a huge difference in sitting for ten and a half hours in a typical 8,000-9,000 foot cabin altitude environment, compared to the SJ30’s 1,000 foot cabin altitude. We just sat in the cockpit watching the 450+ knot groundspeeds, keeping track of our position and fuel state, and monitoring autopilot performance. All in a 1,000 foot cabin altitude environment. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
Bob Kromer, SSAC’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated, “The SJ30 now proves itself the undisputed leader in the light jet market for the speed, range and value equation. Our customers will have the ability to use their airplanes for long range, intercontinental travel along with the ability to fly shorter range flights at speeds up to .83 Mach. That’s quite a combination for a jet priced to compete in the light jet market.”
SSAC’s SJ30 business jet is a high performance twinjet aircraft with a range of over 2,500 nautical miles and the highest cruise speed in the light jet industry of Mach .83 (560 mph). This single pilot certified jet operates at altitudes to 49,000 feet and maintains a “Sea Level Cabin” of 12 psi through 41,000 ft. SSAC is positioned to produce a family of cost-efficient, high performance, high-quality business jets. Additional information, updates, 360 virtual tour views, photos and specifications are available at www.SJ30Jet.com.
Additional Information Contact;
Mark Fairchild mfairchild@sj30jet.com
Tel: 1-210-258-3900
Fax: 1-210-258-8687