AASI Jetcruzer
- CountryUnited States of America
- TypeBusiness and utility transport
- PowerplantsOne rear mounted 1172kW (1572shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66A turboprop driving a five blade constant speed Hartzell propeller.
- PerformanceMax cruising speed 576km/h (318kt). Service ceiling 30,000ft. Max range at economical cruising speed with reserves 2574km (1391nm).
- WeightsMax takeoff 2495kg (5500lb).
- DimentionsWing span 12.85m (42ft 2in), length approx 10.5m (34.4ft).
- CapacityTypical accommodation for six including pilot. Can be configured for ambulance, cargo and other utility work. Optional aft lavatory.
- Production450 - 3 were built. 500 - by November 2001, 2 had been converted from 450s, 1 new one was built, and 197 were on order. Basic unit price (2001) $US1.495.000.
Advanced Aerodynamics and Structures Inc (AASI), a California based company’s innovative product Jetcruzer 500 is a cost effective single engine aircraft and is an improvement over an earlier model, the Jetcruzer 450.
The concept for what would later be known as the Jetcruzer 450 began in 1983 and it was not until six years later that an Allison 250-C20S powered prototype had its first flight on 11 January, 1989.
The testing model flew on April 1991, and finally the Jetcruzer 450 soared into the skies on September 13 1992.
With the granting of an FAA Part 23 certification, the Jetcruzer in 1994 also became the first aircraft in the world to be certified as spin resistant. However, the firm decided to streamline its efforts for commercialisation on the pressurised version- the Jetcruzer 500. /the earlier model featured a 10 inch fuselage which was later improved to a 6ft fuselage stretch. It also featured a five blade prop as opposed to an earlier three blade version. This also led to an enhancement of cabin length by 3 feet, plus additional cabin windows and 30,000 ft pressurisation and entry door on right hand.
The Jetcruzer flew for the first time on August 22 1997, closely followed by a second version on November 7 1997.
The Jetcruzer has many design improvements such as no air flaps that helps in reducing costs and also keeps the overall weight under check, a canard configuration results in wing span position a bit far than normal to prevent intrusion into the cabin and EFIS avionics that are optional.
In 2002, Mooney assets was acquired by AASI resulting in Mooney as the new nomenclature for the companies. A division of sorts also began with the acquisition with AASI facility at Long Beach, California continuing with Headquarters, development, and marketing while production being shifted to Mooney's Kerrville, Texas plant.
The firm is now aiming for the Stratocruzer 1250, which is planned as a 13 place twin WilliamsRolls FJ-44 powered light corporate jet.
Pictures of AASI Jetcruzer
