TYPE: Light business jet.

PROGRAMME: Announced 25 April 2003, as replacement for S-26; first metal cut June 2003; maiden flight of first of two flying prototypes (plus one static test airframe) was then expected in first quarter 2004; certification to FAR Pt23 single-pilot qualification and flight into known icing conditions scheduled for end of 2005, with customer deliveries in mid-2006. Major structural components will be supplied by subcontractors, with Safire undertaking final assembly (on computer-controllled, eight-station production line), flight test, completion and delivery. Target assembly time 16 days per airframe; maximum production rate estimated at more than 500 per year by 2009.

CUSTOMERS: Deposits from more than 720 customers held at April 2003.

COSTS: US$1.295 million for holders of deposits for S-26, US$1.395 million for new customers; direct operating costs US$400 per hour (all 2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Conventional low-wing monoplane with rear-mounted engines and sweptback cruciform tail, Supercritical laminar-flow wing aerofoil.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Dual control yokes standard.

STRUCTURE: Light alloy throughout. Suppliers include Apex Engineering International (wing, tail unit and engine nacelles). Avidyne (avionics), Castle Precision (landing gear), Metalcraft Technologies (fuselage), and Williams (powerplant).

LANDING GEAR: Hydraulically retractable tricycle type with single wheel on each unit.

POWER PLANT: Two pod-mounted Williams FJ33-4 turbofans, each rated at 4.89 kN (1,100 lb st). Usable fuel 939 litres (248 US gallons; 207 Imp gallons) in integral wing tanks.

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and co-pilot or passenger in cockpit. Seating for four in club arrangement in main cabin. Accommodation is pressurised and air conditioned. Lavatory and in-flight accessible baggage compartment aft of cabin.

SYSTEMS: Pressurisation supplied by engine bleed air, maximum differential 0.54 bar (7.8 lb/sq in), maintaining 2,440 m (8,000 ft) cabin altitude to certified ceiling of 12,500 m (41,000 ft).

AVIONICS: Avidyne FlightMax Entegra integrated flight deck, designed to support FAA/NASA Highways in the Sky and Synthetic Vision Programmes.
Instrumentation: EFIS with three 264 mm (10.4 in) flat panel displays.