Flaris, a Polish company, introduced its prototype single-engine personal jet at the Paris Air Show this week. The all-composite airplane reportedly has begun taxi tests and first flight is expected soon. It weighs about 1,430 pounds and can carry five people. Top speed is over 375 knots, according to the company website, and the range is 1,350 nm. It can fly from grass strips as short as 820 feet. It glides well, the company says, and comes with a ballistic parachute that’s packed in the nose. Also, the wings can be removed for easier storage. The cockpit features Garmin avionics. The engine is by Pratt & Whitney, but the company told a French news site they are still considering other options. Flaris said it plans to start production next year and has set a price of about $1.5 million.
The airplane is the first aviation project undertaken by Metal-Master, a family-run business established in 2000 that manufactures parts for European automobile production. The chief designer is Andrzej Frydrychewicz, who also designed the Wilga, Kruk, and Orlik airplanes.
