DALLAS — In 1989, the prototype of the AASI Jetcruzer 450, developed by Advanced Aerodynamics and Structures Inc., completed its inaugural flight. This distinctive aircraft, which had been in development since 1983, began construction in 1988.
Featuring a notable design, the Jetcruzer 450 was an unpressurized aircraft that stood out with its spacious flight deck and cabin windows. It could carry five passengers alongside a single pilot. Additionally, the aircraft boasted a unique feature: two large vertical stabilizers positioned on either end of its expansive wing, which were tilted inward.
A World First
Following the construction of three prototypes, an extensive testing program commenced. On June 14, 1994, the AASI Jetcruzer 450 obtained FAA certification, making it the world's first spin-resistant certified aircraft.
However, despite this achievement, the Jetcruzer 450 never entered production. Instead, AASI decided to develop a larger variant called the Jetcruzer 500, which featured pressurization. Equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66A five-blade propeller engine, the fuselage of the Jetcruzer 500 was extended by 90 cm (3 feet) while maintaining the same seating capacity.
On August 22, 1997, the Jetcruzer 500 conducted its inaugural flight. The aircraft garnered significant orders, reaching a total of 200. A military version, the ML-2, as well as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named the ML-1, were also offered. However, issues related to the aircraft's center of gravity, noise levels, and high stall speed led to the withholding of certification.
In 1992, the development of a larger version of the aircraft called the Jetcruzer 650 commenced, with the ability to accommodate up to 13 passengers. Unfortunately, due to AASI's increasing financial losses, the project was ultimately abandoned.
Although the Jetcruzer had completed its maiden flight in 1989, it had yet to enter production by 2002. As a result, in November 2003, AASI decided to sell the assets of the Jetcruzer. The purchaser of these assets was Innova Aircraft.
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Exploring Airline History Volume I
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David H. Stringer, the History Editor for AIRWAYS Magazine, has chronicled the story of the commercial aviation industry with his airline history articles that have appeared in AIRWAYS over two decades. Here, for the first time, is a compilation of those articles.
Subjects A through C are presented in this first of three volumes. Covering topics such as the airlines of Alaska at the time of statehood and Canada's regional airlines of the 1960s, the individual histories of such carriers as Allegheny, American, Braniff, and Continental are also included in Volume One. Get your copy today!
February 2025
