The Flaris LAR 1 is a five-seater, very light general aviation jet currently in development by Metal Master, a Polish aerospace company. During the 2013 Paris Air Show, the company announced its plans to develop the LAR 0 jet. The aircraft is powered by a single Williams FJ 33-58 turbofan engine. The prototype aircraft performed its first flight on April 5, 2019. The company aims to produce an economically viable aircraft in the very light jet category.
Aircraft design and configuration
The aircraft’s lightweight and compact design can easily fit in a regular twin-vehicle garage. Yes, that is correct! The aircraft is 27 feet 4 inches (8.32 m) long and has a wingspan of 28 feet 6 inches (8.68 m). A twin-vehicle garage is between 18 feet and 26 feet long and is generally 14 to 22 feet wide. The aircraft is designed to have removable elliptical wings and sections of the tailplane to fit in typical garages.
The manufacturer revealed that the idea behind the aircraft design was to enable characteristics that were previously unavailable in the general aviation market. For example, the manufacturer aimed at a very lightweight construction that is achieved through novel materials. The aircraft was developed to provide low operational costs while enabling the flight’s and its occupants’ safety. The aircraft’s versatility lies in its ease of flight operability and comfort for passengers.
Photo: Flaris
At the launch, the manufacturer also revealed that LAR 1 would be the first of the three aircraft it aims to develop as part of the LAR program. The second series will be a larger aircraft, while the third design will be smaller than LAR 1.
While very few details were provided about the future designs, the manufacturer remains confident in its existing design and its plan for future offerings in the general aviation category. The manufacturer also revealed that it intends to offer business aviation aircraft that will feature a twin-engine configuration.
Aircraft specifications
The aircraft can seat four passengers and one crew member (pilot). The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 4,079 lbs (1,850 kg) and is powered by a single Williams FJ33-5A turbofan engine, producing a maximum takeoff thrust of 1,900 pounds-force (8.5 kN).
Photo: Flaris
One of the critical features of the aircraft is its outstanding maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.72 (430 knots, 500 mph, 800 km/h). With a service ceiling of 31,000 ft (9,450 m), the aircraft can fly a range of 1,900 NM (2,200 miles, 3,500 km).
It isn’t only the size of the aircraft that resembles a family vehicle; the cockpit controls are also designed to mimic that of an automobile. It is a deliberate effort by the manufacturer to enable the aircraft to be readily parked in traditional car garages.
Photo: Flaris
Private pilots will find the aircraft cockpit and control highly customizable and optimized for most general aviation operations. The aircraft fuel is stored within the fuselage-mounted tank, avoiding the typical wing-tank configuration. For an aircraft of this size, such a fuel tank configuration aids in better aircraft maneuverability while enabling a smooth ride for passengers.
What are your thoughts on the Flaris LAR 01 aircraft, particularly its size? Share your opinion in the comments section.
Source: Flaris