Fastest Business Jet
Business jets are one of the must-have items are CEOs, billionaires and those that require their own personal form of air travel to get across the country in a hurry.
The problem is that with so many companies, stars and individuals all buying these planes, how do they stand out from the crowd and show that not only is their jet the most lavish option available, it is also the fastest?
The answer, according to the team at Saker Aircraft, is to buy one of their new S-1 alpha jets.
Military Jet or Private Jet?
The S-1 is a military jet that promises a new approach to business travel. Saker Aircraft have come up with a plan to offer the first passenger, commercial service via a former military jet.
One of the principle ideas here is that if private jets only tend to carry one or two people, and are generally a waste of space, why not go for a sleeker, faster two- seater option like the S-1?
It should be noted straight away that this $5 million jet would not offer the creature comforts and luxury details of a private jet. It is based on a fighter plane so it is about style and speed over anything else.
Missing Features:
- No desks
- Notables
- No big comfy, reclining seats
- No toilet
- One ejector seat
The makers say that the jet will be capable of traveling 1600 nautical miles, although external fuel pods could take this to around 2,200.
This is not enough for a transcontinental flight, so this should be seen purely as a domestic travel option in the US.
Saker S-1 Jet May Not Be Luxurious, But It Will Be Fast
The Saker S-1 alpha jet set to be the world’s fastest business jet, capable of a maximum speed of Mach 0.99 and set to cruise at 0.95/720mph.
The problem with Mach 1 is that it creates sonic booms that are not allowed in US airspace, so they clearly wanted to get a close as possible.
There is sure to be some careful marketing in the months ahead that highlights the ability to fly at just below the speed of sound, so the hopes of those that want to fly are not raised too high.
This speed is still pretty impressive, as it is believed that the jet will be able to take passengers from LA to Chicago or New York to Florida in just 2 hours. This will be ideal for businessmen on important meetings across the country, or people flying in for major events.
Source: AskMen
And The Price Tag For All This Speed?
This jet is clearly aimed at the wealthy show-offs that feel that a private jet will no longer do, but it is still a big gamble for Saker.
Saker has invested $350million into redesigning the S-1, with a target date of 2019. They say that they expect orders for 50 planes a year, but is that too optimistic?
There is clearly a niche market here, and buyers must be happy to forsake the usual standards and features for the chance to travel in a military-style jet. It cannot just be about speed.
Also, they need to prove that this is better than simply buying an old fighter alpha jet and adapting it for civilian use. There are limitations to the Saker S-1, but the novelty factor and speed are sure to be enough for many potential buyers.
