Stratos Aircraft Evolves Carbon-Fiber Very Light Jet, Offers Limited Number of Kit Aircraft

August 3, 2018

Courtney E. Howard

Stratos Aircraft in Redmond, Ore., is introducing the Stratos 716 model, an evolved version of its 714 proof of concept (PoC) aircraft. A multi-role very light jet (VLJ), the Stratos 716 is designed to seat six and support personal, business, and air taxi use.

The Stratos 714 test aircraft, having completed 130 test flights and logged 185 hours, has served a vital role in advancing the design toward the 716, Stratos CTO Carsten Sundin says.

The Stratos 716 has a 31-inch longer and 3.5-inch wider cabin than the 714 PoC aircraft introduced the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wis., in 2017.

Constructed of carbon fiber , the 716X features trailing link gear, is powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 engine, and is configured with: dual Garmin G3X electronic flight displays , Garmin GTN 750 multifunction display (MFD), integrated Garmin Autopilot, dual standby attitude indicators, custom switch panels, automated pressurization system, and air conditioning.

“We will first offer the 716X, as an experimental kit aircraft,” Sundin explains. “We see producing a limited number of kit aircraft as a logical step toward certification. It also allows customers who don’t want to wait for certification an opportunity to own and operate a Stratos 716X much sooner,” Sundin adds.

Stratos Aircraft officials are limiting 716X kit aircraft sales to prequalified buyers, and selling only three kits at one time, to ensure final build quality and complete adherence to the company’s build process. The Stratos 716X kit will be comprehensive and include a builder’s assist program, they say.

“We are excited to be able to introduce the 716X builder’s assist program,” Sundin says. “This program will allow us to deliver the 716X to a very select group of customers very soon while we continue with the program for the 716 Certified aircraft.”

The first Stratos 716X has been sold and is in production at the company’s Redmond, Ore., facility, spanning more than 41,000 square feet.

“Our newest facility is a state-of the-art composite manufacturing facility and includes advanced technology including a computer numerical control (CNC ) ply cutter and laser projectors to aid in the placement of each ply during the construction of the carbon fiber composite parts,” Sundin describes.

Stratos Aircraft officials plan to announce the 716X kit cost and other program details, as well as to take orders, in the fourth quarter (Q4) of this year.

Courtney E. Howard is editorial director and content strategist at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group. Contact her by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..