Fastest Private Jet?

I've seen the Eclipse [and been inside the cabin and cockpit of N506EA] and totally agree it is TINY. However, I don't think acquisition cost is the driving factor here. Any of these VLJs are expected to run for about 1/2 the operating cost of a King Air 200 [we currently have 2] and cruise 80 knots faster - resulting in substantially cheaper trip costs. Of course, this is completely dependant on your trip profile. Our typical trip profile on the KA200s is 2-3 pax, 1-2 pilots, and 500-700NM - although the aircraft is laid out for 2 pilots and 8 pax.

We are considering replacing one of the King Airs with one of the VLJs for the operating costs reason. We wouldn't replace both - because the King Air 200 isn't very fast - but will haul a tremendous amount of payload and/or people.

 

There are several in the pipeline. the Diamond D-jet is targeted for under $1 mill USD. The best of the VLJ's IMO will be the Citation Mustang at $2.4 mill or so. Will be interesting to watch what happens with these planes, as most who can afford them likely won't have significant experience to fly them proficiently. After seeing and sitting in the Eclipse I don't think the air taxi business will have much success....at least not with that plane. way too small to be packed in with strangers, and virtually no luggage space.

 

^Here's the Comp Air Jet to add one more to the list: http://www.aerocompinc.com/

Specs:

 

I was passing through Latrobe, PA a few years ago. They say if you want the order you have to ask, so I asked if I could see Arnie's "X". Wow! What a piece of work.

 

single engine kit jet - no thank you. I'll wait for the Cirrus single engine jet in 2008 - with BRS.