Desert Aerospace Develops Self-Launching Sailplane With A "James Bond" Retractable Jet Engine

Albuquerque-based Desert Aerospace, LLC has taken a piece of each end of the aviation spectrum and married them in a single aircraft. On Monday, the company announced the completion of certification tests flights of the new TST-14J 'BonusJet' two seat, self-launching sailplane.

The BonusJet features a jet engine that can be retracted into the fuselage for high performance cross country soaring. The unique jet powered self-launching sailplane is also suitable for pilot training and racing.  With a 56 foot span, the BonusJet has excellent soaring performance, and is likely the most efficient and eco-friendly jet aircraft ever produced.

The jet engine can be extended and restarted in flight.  The start sequence is fully automatic, requiring only the flick of a switch by the pilot, reducing the cockpit workload during a critical 'low-save' situation while soaring. The jet modification was designed and installed by Desert Aerospace in the US. It is a modification of the TST-14 Bonus glider, manufactured by TeST Gliders (a division of Comp-Let), in the Czech Republic.  The TJ-100 jet engine is manufactured by PBS, whichis also in the Czech Republic.

"The jet engine makes perfect sense for a self-launching sailplane or other light aircraft," says Desert Aerospace test pilot, Bob Carlton.  "It is small, lightweight and simple.  It is also glass-smooth when running, eliminating the component and airframe damage caused by engine vibration."

Desert Aerospace, LLC has developed several small jet powered aircraft, including the Super Salto aerobatic jet sailplane, in which Carlton flies airshow performances worldwide.  Desert Aerospace intends to market the BonusJet, as well as other jet sailplane conversions.  They represent PBS in the US and are developing an extreme light jet (XLJ) kit airplane for the home-built market.  The BonusJet will be on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010.

FMI: www.desertaerospace.com