Stratos Aircraft 716X and 716
The first Stratos Aircraft, known as the 714 POC (proof of concept) aircraft, completed its maiden flight on 21 November 2016. It has since recorded over 250 flight hours and nearly 175 flights. It made its public introduction at Airventure in July 2017. The 714 POC was well received and has been monumental in refining the design for the production version.
From market feedback and the desire for improvement the Stratos team returned to base with a list of design changes. This led them to the production version of the aircraft now known as 716X (Experimental) and 716 (Certified). Still focused on a single engine Very Light Jet (VLJ), they have utilized many of the same components of the 714.
Drag and weight reductions have been implemented. System and avionics improvements have been made. The most significant change was the increase in cabin volume. It now boasts a 1.53m width and 1.49m height with 30 inches of leg room for each row. Making it a true cabin class 6 place with club seating in the rear.
The 716X will be powered by Pratt and Whitney Canada JT15D-5 for its experimental production version. The engine used for certification is yet to be determined. However, expect a boost in performance as the 716 will be capable of over 400 knots with altitude capabilities of FL 410. With six passengers and full baggage it will be capable of a 1,200 NM NBAA IFR range in cabin-class comfort at speeds and ranges that no other aircraft can match for its size or acquisition cost. The Stratos 716X´s engine thrust acts close to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, contributing to the design objectives of easy handling and low pilot workload. The Stratos 716X will safely land at much lower speeds than twin-engine jets with similar performance.
As a Very Light Personal Jet, emphasis has been placed on making the Stratos 716X handling simple and predictable with benign stall characteristics for safe flight by owner-operators, even at low speed.
Based in Redmond, Oregon, Stratos Aircraft is a new aerospace company dedicated to the design, certification, manufacture and marketing of the Stratos 716X and 716.