Viper Aircraft Viperjet
The Viperjet is a system designed and built by Viper Aircraft Corporation sport aircraft, which is delivered by the manufacturer in kits. He is a conventional low-wing aircraft with rear seats in tandem. The jet engine is housed in the fuselage and the nose wheel gear is retractable. The aircraft is made entirely of fiber composites.
Development
The first prototype of Viperjet MK I flew in 1999 and was presented at the 2000 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh the public for the first time. This prototype was powered by an engine of the type Turbomeca Marboré. This engine was the designers but too weak and consumed too much fuel, so a new trial was made with a General Electric T58 - shaft engine that was converted to a turbojet. But even that did not meet expectations, and in turn was replaced by the General Electric J85 engine, which could make four times the thrust. With this then the aircraft was equipped. At the same time, the aircraft was further developed substantially. From this further development of the second prototype MK II, who in 2005 had its first flight originated. He pointed to a reinforced chassis, three times the tank volume and a pressurized cabin. For the MK I also upgrade kit on the MK II version was offered.
In 2008, the resident of Pasco ( Washington) company announced that it would consider a military version of the aircraft. Such a military version would include both a training aircraft, as well as an unmanned version. It was also announced that a larger follow-up version, which would be powered by a turbofan engine, as the " Viper Aircraft fanjet " is in development.
Meanwhile, this successor is offered with Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D engine.
Construction
The special feature of Viperjet is that the customer receives the Jet in individual parts and itself must assemble. The basic kit MKII will cost $ 182,000, but due to offered extras such as multi- function displays or leather seats, most kits for around $ 300,000 are sold. The manufacturer further provides also a utility, where the main components are supplied pre-assembled and on the construction of a training program is offered in the outlet where the customer learns to fly the Viperjet.