The Spectrum Freedom S.40 has good chance to be one of the most popular jets in the mid-size cabin class. It offers stand up cabin, performance of a jet costing millions more and fuel economy of much smaller aircrafts.
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Aviation progresses when the correct design and manufacturing approach is incorporated with innovation in aerodynamics, systems and engine design to create aircraft that literally soar above the rest. After decades dedicated to pursuit of the ultimate in flight, Spectrum is building an amazing new aircraft.
Spectrum's success begins with a remarkable material called fibeX. This unique combination of carbon fiber and epoxy yields excellent strength to weight ratios, and has advantages over earlier generation composites because of its automated fabrication and application flexibility. The remarkable physical properties of fibeX are enhanced by use of cutting edge structural design and manufacturing approaches that have been carefully developed to take maximum advantage of the material's inherent characteristics.
Manufacturability and the requirements of FAA certification have guided Spectrum’s development from the beginning, always with an eye toward delivering superior aircraft to satisfied customers.
In addition to building better composite airframes, Spectrum incorporates many other innovations. Recently, there has been remarkable progress in areas of electric actuators, LED lighting systems, digital power distribution, electronically shaded transparencies and, perhaps most significantly, engines and avionics.
Spectrum Freedom S.40 will have a remarkably efficient and economical powerplant built by a joint venture of two of the world's most trusted engine producers: General Electric and Honda. The GE Honda Aero Engine's HF120 is the result of nearly two decades of research and development, and it benefits handsomely from the expertise of its parent companies.
By delivering more than two-thousand pounds of thrust per engine, combined with exceptional fuel efficiency and 5,000 hour time between overhauls, the HF120 is the perfect match for the Freedom S.40.
Spectrum's Independence S.33 is powered by the Williams International FJ33. The FJ33 enjoys an outstanding technical legacy from a company that has pioneered many key innovations in delivering better small turbine engines and has long earned industry accolades for exceptional reliability and support.
The flight decks of Spectrum's aircraft offer the very best in full capability, integrated, digital avionics. The Honeywell Primus Apex system provides unprecedented functionality, situational awareness, and reliability to the Freedom S.40. This remarkable avionics package has inherited features and hardware from Honeywell’s Primus Epic system, which is typically found only on airplanes costing many times the S.40.
Spectrum has also given great care to detail by designing for reliability and cabin accommodations that will be at the top of their class. From its convenient galley provisions, internal storage closets and "stand up" cabin height (the tallest in any midsize jet), to its extra-wide seats, private aft-lavatory and generous external baggage capacity, the S.40 is everything you would expect in a world-class midsize jet. ■
Under an intense surge of arctic air, Friday morning will begin with the coldest temperatures so far this season across much of the central and eastern U.S. with blustery conditions and a piercing wind chill.