Stratos Aircraft located in Redmond, Oregon, announced in July 2008 about making Stratos 714 – a very light jet (VLJ) aircraft. The company had described the plane as an owner-flown Very Light Personal Jet (VLPJ – A new terminology). They unveiled Stratos 714 at the AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The plane very quickly grabbed the attention of the guests at AirVenture.

Stratos 714 made its first maiden flight on 21 November 2016. This plane is powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT15B-5 engine, and it can cruise at a maximum speed of 415 knots, but the average cruising speed is 390 knots at a stretch of 1500 knots without refuelling. The plane’s exterior height is 9 ft 8 inches; the length is 35 ft 8 inches, and its wingspan is 40 ft 5 inches. Cabin height and length are 4 ft 8 inches and 9 ft 5 inches respectively.

Stratos Aircraft has designed this aircraft eyeing the personal, corporate, and air taxi clientele. The standard model will accommodate four passengers and one crew, but the interior can be modified to carry six passengers.

The company claims this aircraft’s performance will differentiate it from any other VLJ in its class. It has the highest weight-to-thrust ratio and an ability to climb up to 41000 feet. Stratos 714 has so far done about 70 hours of test flights and that too with its maximum weight carrying capacity of 8300 pounds. But the company is still not taking any commercial orders for 714, as they say, a lot more testing and improvements are to be carried out.

Stratos Aircraft is very sure about the progress they are making and have declared that by the end of the year 2017 they will be able to place it on the market for sale. At present, the company is undergoing a financial crunch and is discussing with investors to provide funds to expedite the project.