Everyone is so passionate about huge aviation machines. We have already reviewed The World’s Largest Plane, introduced you to The Largest Aircraft in the World and How Does A Turbofan Engine Work?. What about the smallest inventions? Did you know what the smallest jet ever built is?
If you ever hear someone talking about the smallest jet in the world it means that they are talking about a high performance, aerobatic, single seat, low-wing, all metal, jet-powered aircraft called FLS. The FLS was originally created by a small company – Bede Aircraft in the 1970s. Therefore, the first aircraft got a name of BD-5. However, in a few years the company was shut down leaving the smallest jet’s destiny unknown until 1992, when the aircraft was picked upby Ed (“Skeeter”) & Richard Karnes started BD Micro Technologies, Inc. (BMT) who decided to update the BD-5 with modern instruments and safer building techniques.
Throughout many years of research and dedication, BMT has developed an improved design modelling the original aircraft.
The FLS now features many safety improvements including reduced stall speeds, increased pitch stability, reduced air-frame fatigue, and an overhaul which replaced all the old flight instruments with modern aviation technologies.
At just over 5 meters long, the new model can reach speeds of up to 515 km/h while having a range of 370 km. It is powered by a Quantum Turbine System which gives a thrust of 265lbs (120 kg), allowing it an impressive maximum carrying capacity of 200 kg while the plane itself only weighs 188 kg.
BD-5 or FLS Microjet Full Specifications:
- Top Speed: 320mph (515 Km/h
- Stall Speed: 67pmh
- Max Range: 200nm (370km)
- Max Lading: +-6 g’s
- Wing Span: 17ft (5.1m)
- Length: 13ft (4m)
- Height: 5′ 9″ (1.75m)
- Empty Weight: 416lbs (188 kg)
- Max Weight: 860lbs (370 kg)
- Jet Fuel: 30 gal
- Thrust: 265lbs (120 kg)
- Engine: Quantum Turbine System
- Featuring the PBS TJ-100
Even though more than 45 years have passed the aircraft is still recognized as “The World’s Smallest Jet”. Due to its compactness and innovativeness it is often featured in films or airshows.
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