Spectrum S-33 Independence

The Spectrum S-33 Independence was a very light jet prototype designed and built by Spectrum Aeronautical using a carbon fiber construction process that makes the airplane weigh about two-thirds as much as a comparably sized aluminum-frame airplane.^[2]

S-33 Independence
General information
Type	Very light jet
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Spectrum Aeronautical
Status	company now bankrupt
Number built	1
History
First flight	Jan 7, 2006[1]

The aircraft was designed to cruise at 45,000 ft. at speeds up to 415 knots (Mach 0.72) and fly as far as 2000 nm (3700 km) while using about half the fuel of comparably sized aluminum-framed business aircraft. FAA and JAA Type Certifications of the S-33 Independence were expected to be completed in 2009, but were not. The company has provided no press releases to explain the long delay in gaining certification.

The aircraft was reported to be able to accommodate 5–6 passenger seats, a full-sized private lavatory, and will have a maximum take-off weight of 7,300 lb., with a range of over 2,000 miles.

The retail sales price of the aircraft, which is equipped with Williams FJ-33 engines was supposed to be US-$3.95 million. The aircraft was to be released about 12 months after the bigger S-40 "Freedom". In May 2011 Spectrum president Austin Blue said, "We are still trying to get the programs advancing, but it is not easy".^[3]

Accident

The only completed S-33, registration N322LA, crashed in a test flight on July 25, 2006 in Spanish Fork, Utah, killing the two test pilots aboard, Glenn Maben and Nathan Forrest. The aircraft rolled right immediately after takeoff, reaching a 90-degree angle before the wingtip struck the ground. The preliminary NTSB report revealed that the control linkage had been connected backward during maintenance after the previous flight, resulting in opposite control output (a left roll input on the control stick resulting in the aircraft rolling right).^[4]

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Capacity: 6-9 passengers
• Length: 45 ft 11 in (13.99 m)
• Wingspan: 43 ft 3 in (13.2 m)
• Height: 10 ft 8 in (3.3 m)
• Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,402 kg)
• Interior height: 5 ft 0 in (1.47 m)
• Interior width: 5 ft 0 in (1.47 m)
• Interior length (total): 18 ft (5.49 m)
• Powerplant: 2 × Williams FJ33-4A-19^[5] turbofan engines, 1,500 lbf (6.68 kN) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 425 kn (489 mph, 787 km/h)
• Range: 1,600–2,000 nmi (1,830–2,280 mi, 2,960–3,700 km)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (14,000 m)

See also

• Spectrum S-40 Freedom