Piper Jet

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

Overview

Piper United States 2011–Present $2.2 million (2006)

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
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Piper PA-47 PiperJet.

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.