VLJ (Very Light Jets)
Epic Victory
ICAO: EVIC
Overview
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.
Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Williams FJ44-3AP turbofan
- Engine type
- Turbofan
- Thrust
- 2,820 lbf · 13 kN
- Avionics
- Garmin G1000 All Glass
- Wing tips
- Canted winglets
- Seats
- 7
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 35 ft 8 in · 10.87 m
- Tail height
- 15 ft 8 in · 4.78 m
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 44 ft 3 in · 13.49 m
- Baggage volume
- 18 ft³ · 0.5 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 24,700 lb · 11,200 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 800 lb · 350 kg
- Fuel capacity
- Max cruise speed
- 360 kt · 414 mph · 667 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 1,300 nm · 1,500 mi · 2,410 km
- Fuel burn
- 29.99 nm/gal · 14.67 km/L
- Ceiling
- 35,000 ft · 10,700 m
- Rate of climb
- —
- Takeoff distance
- 2,050 ft · 620 m
- Landing distance
- 910 ft · 280 m
Gallery
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Operational Context
PiperJet — proposed single-engine very light jet
The PiperJet concept was unveiled in 2006, with development progressing through prototype stages. The design featured a single turbofan engine mounted above the rear fuselage to simplify maintenance and cabin layout. The aircraft targeted owner-pilots and small business operators.
Projected performance included cruise speeds near 360 knots (667 km/h) and a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg). Power was expected from a Williams FJ33 turbofan producing approximately 1,800 pounds of thrust (8 kN). Seating was planned for up to six occupants.
Financial challenges and market shifts led to cancellation of the program in 2011. The PiperJet remains an example of the volatility within the very light jet segment.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.