The Sirocket, the first twin engine jet in the UK meeting the specifications for Single-Seat Deregulated (SSDR) Aircraft, has been flown for the first time.

The Sirocket, the first twin engine jet in the UK meeting the specifications for Single-Seat Deregulated (SSDR) Aircraft, has been flown for the first time.

The aircraft was constructed by Dean Arnold and Dave Stephens, both businessmen and passionate aviators, and its inaugural flight was piloted by Stephens.

“Dave and I have been working on this project for the past 5 months,” says Arnold. “The aircraft is based on the Sirocco that we significantly modified to fly on a pair of JetCat P200SX engines (originally designed for the RC model aviation community…the same engines that the Jetman uses).

“SSDR, a relatively new class of aircraft, is freed from the burden of restrictive airworthiness regulations allowing the builder great flexibility and creativity in the design and build of the aircraft. To meet this regulation the aircraft’s empty weight must not exceed 115kg with a wing loading no more than 10kg per square meter. While there are many SSDR aircraft flying in the UK, the Sirocket will be unique in being powered by two turbine model jet engines.”Click here

to see a video of the flightAircraft Specifications:

• Airframe: Sirocco NG (modified) • Power Plant: Twin JetCat P200SX Turbine Engines • Fuselage Construction: Carbon/Kevlar epoxy • Overall Length: 5.8m • Wing Construction: High density foam ribs with carbon fibre rib caps and carbon fibre leading edge sheeting covered in Oratex polyester fabric • Wing Span: 7.6m • Calculated Wing Area: 11.3 sqm • Empty Weight: 101 kg • Wing Loading: 9.0 kgs/m2 • Cruise Speed: 65kt (provisional) • Max Speed: 100kt (provisional) • Fuel Capacity: 46 litres • Endurance: 45 minutes

Engine Specifications:

• Type: Two JetCat P200SX Turbine Engines • Thrust: 230N; 52 lbs @ 112,000 RPM • Weight: 2.27 kg each • Dimensions: 130 mm diameter x 350 mm in length • RPM Range: 32,000 – 112,000 RPM • Exhaust gas temp.: 580�C-690�C • Fuel consumption: 0.7 litres/min/engine at full power • Fuel: Jet A1, 1-K kerosene • Lubrication: approximately 5% Jet Oil in the fuel