VLJ (Very Light Jets)

The Adamjet that never made it

The Adam A-700 AdamJet was proposed by Adam Aircraft Industries in 2003 as a six-seat civil utility aircraft. It was designed similarly with the Adam 500 but fitted with more powerful twin Williams FJ33 turbofan engines. On July 28, 2003, the A700 prototype took to the air for the first time. Aircraft development ended in April 2009 with a total number of two A700 prototypes built.

The entry-level business jet built for owner-pilot accessibility.

The Cessna Citation Mustang was introduced in the 2000s as an entry-level business jet. Designed for ease of operation, it targeted owner-pilots transitioning from piston aircraft. The aircraft became one of the most successful very light jets.

The single-engine jet that brought turbine performance to personal aviation

The Cirrus Vision Jet, officially designated the SF50, was created to make jet ownership more accessible to owner-pilots. Compact, modern, and equipped with advanced safety systems, it bridges the gap between high-performance piston aircraft and traditional business jets. Its distinctive V-tail and single engine configuration set it apart in the light jet market.

The single-engine jet that aimed to democratize personal jet travel

The Diamond D-Jet was a proposed single-engine very light jet developed to offer affordable jet ownership. Designed with composite construction and a small turbofan engine, it targeted private pilots transitioning from piston aircraft. The program ultimately did not reach production.

The single-engine jet concept built for owner-operators.

The Eclipse 400 ECJ was a proposed single-engine jet concept developed in the late 2000s. Intended to offer jet performance at lower cost, it targeted private owners. The project did not enter production.

The very light jet built to make private jet travel more accessible.

The Eclipse 500 was introduced in the 2000s as one of the first very light jets aimed at owner-pilots and small charter operators. Designed to reduce acquisition and operating costs, it helped define a new segment of business aviation. The aircraft combined compact dimensions with modern avionics.

The proposed very light jet built to extend the Eclipse concept.

The Eclipse 700 Canada was a proposed development of the Eclipse very light jet family. Announced as a higher-performance derivative, it aimed to offer increased range and speed. The program did not proceed to production.

The entry-level jet built for efficient owner-operated travel.

The Embraer Phenom 100 was introduced in the late 2000s as a very light jet. Designed for single-pilot certification and low operating costs, it targeted private owners and charter operators. The aircraft became a strong competitor in the VLJ segment.

The kit-built very light jet designed for owner-flown performance

The Epic Elite was a kit-built very light jet developed to offer high performance in the emerging personal jet market. Introduced in the mid-2000s, it targeted experienced owner-builders seeking turbine speed and efficiency. The aircraft blended composite construction with modern avionics in a compact six-seat design.

The high-performance turboprop built to deliver jet-like speed with single-engine efficiency.

The Epic Victory is a modern single-engine turboprop developed in the United States for private and business aviation. Designed to combine high cruise speeds with advanced avionics, it represents the latest evolution of Epic Aircraft’s experimental and kit-built lineage. The aircraft entered certified service in the early 2020s.

The very light jet built with over-the-wing engine innovation.

The HondaJet entered service in the mid-2010s as a clean-sheet very light business jet. Designed around over-the-wing engine mounts, it emphasized aerodynamic efficiency and cabin space. The aircraft marked Honda’s entry into business aviation.

The light business jet concept built to enter the very light jet market.

The PiperJet was a proposed single-engine business jet announced in the mid-2000s. Intended to compete in the very light jet category, it featured a unique engine placement above the fuselage. The program was later canceled before certification.